Rubies are the most valuable members of the corundum family. Large gem-quality rubies can be more valuable than comparably sized diamonds and are certainly rarer. There is a relative abundance of smaller, 1-3 carat blue sapphires compared to the scarcity of even small gem-quality rubies. As a result, even these smaller stones are relatively high in value. Anna Miller and John Sinkankas in their work, Standard Catalog of Gem Values, 2nd. Ed., list a wide range of wholesale prices for faceted gem rubies. Prices are dependent on origin, color, size, and clarity: from a low of $100 to $15,000/ct. Myanmar or Burmese stones in ½ to 1 carat sizes with slightly purplish red color and light inclusions range from $300 to $3,000/ct., for example. The price survey done by the International Gem Society reports that clean, top-color gems in the ½ to 1 carat size range are being sold at retail with a range of $1,000-$3,000/ct. The vast majority of rubies are “native cut” in their country of origin. High-value ruby rough is tightly controlled and rarely makes its way to custom cutters. Occasionally, such native stones are recut to custom proportions, albeit at a loss of weight and diameter. Custom cut and recut stones are usually more per carat.