IntroductionWith all ruby gemstone jewellery, such as ruby earrings, ruby rings and ruby pendants, it is obviously important to make sure their best possible appearance is shown, and for this reason improving the quality by using various treatments is now common practise and most of these methods are universally accepted by the jewellery trade.
For this reason improving the quality by using various treatments is now common practise, and most of these methods are universally accepted by the jewellery trade. The treatment of ruby gemstone was increased markedly during the 1990's due to a sudden influx of gems that were of poorer quality, unless they were treated to bring out their "hidden" colours. This helped bring down the ever rising cost of rubies, because many treated stones could now be sold without judgement of being poorer quality.
For this reason improving the quality by using various treatments is now common practise, and most of these methods are universally accepted by the jewellery trade. The treatment of ruby gemstone was increased markedly during the 1990's due to a sudden influx of gems that were of poorer quality, unless they were treated to bring out their "hidden" colours. This helped bring down the ever rising cost of rubies, because many treated stones could now be sold without judgement of being poorer quality.
Ruby improvement could include any or all of the following such as colour alteration, increased transparency due to removing the rutile inclusions, and the filling of cracks and fractures that may be present.
Treatment by Heat
By heating the rough and un-cut examples of ruby gemstones, many of the colours that are not wished for such as yellow, blue and green overtones can be removed. Also the internal rutile "silk" inclusions and dull patches can be diminished markedly to increase clarity of the gem. The gems are either heated rapidly for as short period to a high temperature of around 1880 c, or more gently for longer to around 1300 c. The latter will not remove as much of the rutile bodies inside, but it is safer and is less likely to damage the stone.Heat treatment is the most commonly used practise for enhancing stones today.
These days throughout the jewellery trade, the ruby gemstone is one that is universally accepted as being always heat treated unless marked otherwise. This is accepted basically because it is permanent and will not lessen over the life of the gem.
Other Treatments
Others that are available to the jewellery industry include fracture filling (glass filling of cavities), surface diffusion (surface colouring treatment), oiling, dyeing or waxing. Because these treatments are temporary in nature and may require future maintenance, they are not accepted as being part of a new gemstone, unless obviously mentioned that this process has taken place.
Fake Rubies
Most rubies today are relatively expensive compared to that of other gemstones, in fact rubies are one of the most expensive. For this reason if you find excellent quality, or even perfect quality examples at a price that is low compared to usual, then it is most often because they are fake (or have been treated heavily by means other than heating).
These simulants of ruby and other gemstones go back as far as the Roman times, when traders used to try to sell imitations using coloured glass beads.
All around the jewellery trade these days, many different examples and variations of ruby simulants can be found for sale.
In Conclusion
It is very unlikely that most jewellers selling ruby jewellery, just like all other gemstones, will know exactly where they come from. But, it is generally accepted amongst reputable and honourable jewellers that they should be sourced from their suppliers in their knowledge that they have been purchased from ethical and conflict free organisations.
Because most jewellers will try to adhere to these codes of practise that are stickily upheld by their associations, there should be little need to worry about from where they are mined.
The most obvious reason to choose fake ruby gemstones over that of real varieties, and that is the price. Fake rubies should offer perfect clarity and cut, the exact colour you wish, and probably most important when considering purchasing these is greatly increased size. Having said that, it is still much better in my eyes to have a real item of ruby jewellery, that is completely unique to you. That is the obvious nature of real and natural items, no matter the size or quality!
Treatment by Heat
By heating the rough and un-cut examples of ruby gemstones, many of the colours that are not wished for such as yellow, blue and green overtones can be removed. Also the internal rutile "silk" inclusions and dull patches can be diminished markedly to increase clarity of the gem. The gems are either heated rapidly for as short period to a high temperature of around 1880 c, or more gently for longer to around 1300 c. The latter will not remove as much of the rutile bodies inside, but it is safer and is less likely to damage the stone.Heat treatment is the most commonly used practise for enhancing stones today.
These days throughout the jewellery trade, the ruby gemstone is one that is universally accepted as being always heat treated unless marked otherwise. This is accepted basically because it is permanent and will not lessen over the life of the gem.
Other Treatments
Others that are available to the jewellery industry include fracture filling (glass filling of cavities), surface diffusion (surface colouring treatment), oiling, dyeing or waxing. Because these treatments are temporary in nature and may require future maintenance, they are not accepted as being part of a new gemstone, unless obviously mentioned that this process has taken place.
Fake Rubies
Most rubies today are relatively expensive compared to that of other gemstones, in fact rubies are one of the most expensive. For this reason if you find excellent quality, or even perfect quality examples at a price that is low compared to usual, then it is most often because they are fake (or have been treated heavily by means other than heating).
These simulants of ruby and other gemstones go back as far as the Roman times, when traders used to try to sell imitations using coloured glass beads.
All around the jewellery trade these days, many different examples and variations of ruby simulants can be found for sale.
In Conclusion
It is very unlikely that most jewellers selling ruby jewellery, just like all other gemstones, will know exactly where they come from. But, it is generally accepted amongst reputable and honourable jewellers that they should be sourced from their suppliers in their knowledge that they have been purchased from ethical and conflict free organisations.
Because most jewellers will try to adhere to these codes of practise that are stickily upheld by their associations, there should be little need to worry about from where they are mined.
The most obvious reason to choose fake ruby gemstones over that of real varieties, and that is the price. Fake rubies should offer perfect clarity and cut, the exact colour you wish, and probably most important when considering purchasing these is greatly increased size. Having said that, it is still much better in my eyes to have a real item of ruby jewellery, that is completely unique to you. That is the obvious nature of real and natural items, no matter the size or quality!
J S Stewart 2011 © 2011 Globe Jewellery Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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