The jeweler is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a throwback campaign.
A primer on lead glass-filled rubies
With all the recent consumer press reports accusing major chains of selling lead glass-filled rubies without proper disclosure, Associate Editor Brecken Branstrator takes a look at the rules for selling these stones.
While the prevalence of lead glass-filled rubies in the market and the issue of non-disclosure to consumers is far from new to the industry, it has been given new life in the consumer press in recent months.
The creation of these stones involves taking very low-quality, industrial-grade ruby and infusing it with glass that has a high lead content. Some stones are more ruby than glass while other are more glass than ruby.
In either case, the amount of glass in these stones is significant and they must be handled carefully because the glass can be damaged by a variety of standard practices. These stones are very unstable under normal conditions of wear and tear and can be damaged even by common household cleaners.
Though selling these types of rubies is legal, the Federal Trade Commission’s guides for jewelry requires disclosure at the point of sale when it comes to the treatment and care needed. According to its Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries, “it is unfair or deceptive to use the unqualified [word] ‘ruby’… to describe any product that is not in fact a natural stone of the type described.”
This photo provided by American Gemological Laboratories shows a composite ruby that has been damaged during jewelry repair, which happens due to the high content of lead-glass in these stones.
The lack of disclosing results in not only a loss of consumer confidence in regard to rubies but for all jewelry in general, as well as opens up the retailer to the possibility of legal action. This is why it’s more important than ever for retailers to be aware of what’s expected of them.“If it has lead glass in it, it has to be disclosed that it’s treated and requires special care,” Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s Cecilia Gardner told me.
She added that when it comes to the term “natural,” she has had many gemologists tell her that after examining these kinds of rubies, they have found that there is so little natural material that labeling it as such would be inappropriate.
The JVC, along with a number of other trade organizations, submitted a brief to the FTC suggesting a number of revisions to its Guides so that there can be a standard throughout the industry.
They have taken the stand that the following vocabulary be used:
--That “natural” be used to refer to untreated rubies;
--That “treated” be used to identify a ruby that has been treated in a traditional methods, such as heating to modify color or healing open fissures by adding chemicals, and to which no significant weight is added;
--And that “imitation,” “manufactured,” “composite,” or “simulated” be used to describe the rubies that are low-grade, non-gem corundum and are infused or combined with lead glass to produce a stone that appears to be of higher quality, to which significant weight has been added.
When it comes down to it, the best way to avoid any issues is to be vigilant. Press suppliers for full disclosure, and provide the same for your customers to ensure their continued trust about the business in the future and to avoid legal action, from them or the government.
The Latest
“Memorie D’Archivio” was inspired by the “Mora” and “Mosaico” collections the brand introduced in the ‘90s.
CEO William Lamb said divesting the diamond sales platform allows the company to focus on the underground expansion of Karowe.
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
It features 124 jewels and a variety of colored gemstones.
Ahead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
The GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Retail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
The November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
Commercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
Deloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
The Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
A portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
The first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
The company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.
The industry veteran is also the president-elect of the Women’s Jewelry Association.
Slither into spooky season with this scary snake ring that boasts two heads with tsavorite eyes.
Plus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.
Ladell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”
The trade organization welcomed Sheryl Jones to its board of directors for a three-year term.
New Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier has worked for LVMH’s champagne brands and Kering-owned Boucheron.