Thaïland is the most important world corundum business center.

Because of the political context of the border countries, especially Burma, Thaïland became the sapphires and rubies business turntable.

Rubies and sapphires belong to the same family, corundums.

They have the same composition. The different colours seen are due to chemical modifications (chromium in rubies for example).

The colour is the only parameter took into account for name choice.

Red corundums will be so called rubies whereas all others colours will be called sapphires.

Corundums can present exceptional colours which are extremly rare: like the “pigeon blood” red of rubies (an intense red with a dash of blue), the “royal blue” of sapphires ( an intense blue with a dash of violet), and the intense orange with a dash of pink of sapphires called Padparadscha.

Corundums hardness is the hightest after diamonds one. That’s why these stones are so difficult to cut. However, it is important to take care of this aspect, because when they are well cutted, rubies and sapphires can show the same brightness as diamonds.

These stones are generally included. These inclusions, as emerald ones, are really appreciated. They allow to determine gems origin and treatments that they may have suffer.

Compared with diamonds prices, sapphires prices are reasonable.

Otherwise, beautiful rubies, up to 3 carat, prices can be much higher than diamond prices.

From 1997, DIAMANT-GEMS has been present here. Our buyers are looking for the most beautiful rubies and sapphires in this area.

You can always arrange an appointment to visit one of our offices in Antwerp, Paris, Geneva or Miami, contact us !