EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
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
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
