Grading

What You Might Have Missed

GradingApr 09, 2018

What You Might Have Missed

A story about the GIA finding a layer of lab-grown ruby on a natural near-colorless sapphire was among our most popular last week.

20180402_Ruby-layer.jpg
The Gemological Institute of America said a red oval stone was submitted to its New York lab that featured a layer of lab-grown ruby on a natural sapphire. Pictured here is a portion of the near-colorless corundum seed revealed where the synthetic ruby overgrowth was cut away. Photo credit: Hollie McBride/GIA

New York--These were the five most popular stories on National Jeweler last week, according to Google Analytics.

1. GIA Finds Synthetic Ruby Layer on Natural Gemstones
Though a lab-grown layer is nothing new, the absence of one element suggests different growth methods.

2. ‘Circle of Heaven’ Jadeite Bangle Fails to Sell at Sotheby’s
The highlight of the Hong Kong jewelry sale was expected to garner between $10.2 and $12.8 million.

3. The Next Generation: David Bindra of B & B Fine Gems
One of the leading figures of his generation in the gemstone sector, Bindra shares his thoughts on where the industry is headed.

4. Industry Legend Herb Bridge Dies at 93
He started working at Ben Bridge Jeweler as soon as he could see over the counter.

5. R.I. Wholesaler Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Fraud
Gerald Kent pleaded guilty in December to cheating a debtor finance company out of millions.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

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