Policies & IssuesOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-GrabsThe alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
GradingFeb 06, 2014
Live from Tucson: A synthetic ruby identifier
Presidium Instruments is showcasing what it claims is the world’s first device to detect flame fusion-created rubies at the American Gem Trade Association GemFair this week.
Presidium Instruments has introduced a synthetic ruby identifier this week at the GemFair in Tucson. The portable device passes UV light through either loose or single-mounted stones to detect if it is a flame fusion-created ruby.
Tucson, Ariz.--Presidium Instruments is showcasing what it claims is the world’s first device to detect flame fusion-created rubies at the American Gem Trade Association GemFair this week.
The Synthetic Ruby Identifier measures the ability of ultraviolet light to pass through the stone, based on the knowledge that gemstones have a very significant difference in light admittance if they are natural versus synthetic.
The device features a UV light that passes through the ruby and toward a light detector on the base. Light bars on the front of the lid light up to provide an easy reading that indicates if the UV light transmittance ability of the ruby is high or low.
Natural rubies have low UV transmittance because of trace elements that absorb the deep UV light, allowing for little to pass through.
Other types of synthetic rubies that weren’t created by flame fusion could have either high or low transmittance ability, depending on the transition metal ions inside that may have been introduced during the growth process. As they are rare, Presidium was not able to get enough samples for testing, and the device cannot accurately detect those.
However, it can accurately detect a flame fusion-created ruby, according to the company, which is the most common type of synthetic ruby. These typically have few transition metal ions and therefore allow more UV light to pass through.
The identifier is designed to work on both single-mounted stones as well as loose rubies and allows for a very quick screening process.
The device is lightweight and portable, and is powered by battery or through its USB port connected to an external power source.
The USB also allows the identifier to be connected to a computer, where the data can be saved on OMI, computer software developed by Presidium to store, analyze and manage all the test data.
A company spokesperson told National Jeweler that the software is currently in beta test mode but will be released by the time those in the United States would receive their identifiers in the spring, and therefore will be available to use in tandem with the machine.
To create the identifier, Singapore-based Presidium partnered with the Gem & Jewelry Institute of Thailand, which provided them with the many ruby samples used to develop it. The device is the company’s first to help identify synthetics.
It retails for $2,199, and is available
to purchase in the U.S. through authorized resellers, which are also showing the product at their booths at GemFair this week--A & A Jewelry Supply at Booth 1523 and Kassoy at Booth 2210.
Additional information also can be found at the Gem & Jewelry Institute of Thailand’s booth, No. 38, or online at Presidium.com.
Presidium also will showcase their new device at the Bangkok and Hong Kong jewelry shows this month as well as Baselworld 2014.
Additional information also can be found at the Gem & Jewelry Institute of Thailand’s booth, No. 38, or online at Presidium.com.
Presidium also will showcase their new device at the Bangkok and Hong Kong jewelry shows this month as well as Baselworld 2014.
More on Grading
The Latest
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ CampaignIn the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMOFGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to MiamiThe 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
