Take this list with you when you shop and check each item off as it is satisfied. Bring a loupe and a soft cloth. Oh, and have fun.

Color: Traffic signal red. Remember Hue, Tone and Intensity. Vivid, uniform color that holds tone over various backgrounds and under numerous light sources.

Clarity: You want to see both blemishes and inclusions, just as long as they don't threaten durability and block consistency of color and transparency.

Transparency: Think blurry and hazy. You don't want to see right through the stone, but you want to see through it.

Carat Weight: Think price per carat for stones over 1/2 carat, and millimeter size for smaller stones. Beware of "total weight" price tags on mounted stones, only pay for the weight of the stone.

Cut and Style: Most rubies over one carat will be mixed cut oval or cushion style. Smaller stones come in all shapes and styles. Look for symmetry of line, height of crown vs. depth of pavilion, centering of culet, sharp facets, and a smooth clean finish.

Treatments: Four rules,

1. Almost all rubies on the market have been heat treated. Demand documentation for any claims otherwise.
2. Ask to have any ruby cleaned in an ultrasonic machine. This will reveal oiling and dyeing.
3. Ask about surface diffusion. Remember, jewelers are only obliged to disclose treatments only if you ask.
4. Have all treatments clearly identified on the bill of sale.

Synthetics and Fakes: Three rules,

1. If the price is too good to be true, it is.
2. Know your stones, and glass too.
3. Watch for words like "created" or "cultured", they mean synthetic. If a jeweler says it's natural, get it in writing.

Deceptive practices: Four rules,

1. With fine gemstones, there are no unbelieveable bargains.
2. Look for spots of inconsistent luster from glass fillings.
3. Don't pay ruby prices for "nicknamed" rubies. A ruby is a ruby, period.
4. Watch out for closed back or bezel settings. They can hide any flaw or fraud.

If you have any doubts, make your purchase contingent on a professional impartial appraisal. Get all treatments, composites and guarantees clearly written on your bill of sale.

Answer to quiz: all three