Editors

Greenland Rubies: What We Know At This Point

EditorsSep 12, 2017

Greenland Rubies: What We Know At This Point

A chat with Hayley Henning, of Greenland Ruby, about what the mining company’s discovered so far and what still needs to be done.

20170912_Greenland-ruby.jpg
A selection of rough ruby from the Aappaluottoq mine in Greenland (Photo credit: Vincent Pardieu)

The rubies and pink sapphires coming out of Greenland are about ready to make their debut.

Greenland Ruby officially announced the start of production at Aappaluttoq in May, making headway on a project that stalled after the former owner of the license to mine the site, True North Gems, ran into financial troubles.

Aappaluttoq is Greenland’s first corundum mine, located about 155 miles south of Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. The deposit is primary type, meaning that the rubies are extracted from hard rock.

While scale and production numbers are still to be determined, the site could prove to be an important one, offering a consistent supply of gem-quality rubies and pink sapphires.

In effort to keep up with the project, I recently had a chat with Hayley Henning, vice president of sales and marketing at Greenland Ruby, about the company’s progress.

Greenland Ruby recently launched a new website, and Henning told me that the company also is working on the branding behind Greenland rubies and pink sapphires.

And now that the stones are coming out of the ground, a number of labs have and continue to get involved, Henning said, to look at both the material and the site.

Perhaps most importantly, though, Greenland Ruby is getting ready to bring some of its first stones to market, specifically as the gem and jewelry world converges in Hong Kong this week.

Read on for more of what Henning had to say.

National Jeweler: Since you started production earlier this year, what have you guys discovered about the stones themselves?

Hayley Henning: What’s coming out of the ground here is rubies and pink sapphires. Very often, in the colored gemstone world, it’s the origin that is so important and, of course, with these gems, the Greenland story is so special. With so many people, you get a reaction when they find out that Greenland produces gems, let alone that they’re rubies. From a product point of view, we know that the colors are excellent, deep, beautiful, saturated reds and then of course running the full gamut all the way down to the line of icy pinks, which of course would be the pink sapphires.

NJ: Will you be selling the gems as rough?

HH: Yes, we will be selling the rough. Greenland Ruby is, after all, a mining operation. We will be promoting the material in way that is meant to be

create desire and interest, not only from the consumer point of view but from designers and jewelry manufacturers as well. We want people to be interested in working with the material and then, of course, we want to generate interest with the consumer so that they think it’s cool or fun or unique to have a piece of jewelry with these kinds of gems.

NJ: Now that you’re getting ready to launch the product, how will you be positioning it in the market and making it stand out from other rubies?

HH: That’s the million-dollar question. It really is all about the origin with these gems. It is ruby after all, and there is intrinsic value with ruby and with sapphire. But when we start talking about the origin, we really are talking about this pure, new, untouched environment. It is, in fact, the people of Greenland who have authorized the exploration of the site, as well as the sales and marketing of the material, because it is their material and we have their permission to go ahead and introduce the world to the Greenland ruby. And we’re really going to be talking about that because that is the point of differentiation, in the end.

NJ: Will you be launching marketing campaigns around them?

HH: We will. We’re not quite there yet, but we will eventually be doing that. We’re still in the process of selecting our preferred partners, and these are going to be people who are interested in telling the story along with us, interested in following that route to market, which everybody is so concerned about at the moment, being able to literally track the material from the moment it comes out of the ground. But, we have to do this anyway for export reasons--the Greenland government requires it--so that’s a tracking system we have in place.

Our partners will basically be on the same page as us. We don’t want to sell through an auction system and then (have) the material disappear into a factory in India or somewhere in Thailand. We will partner with these people who will be buying the rough and personally seeing it through so that we can follow that story. And we want them to tell the story as well.

At that point, after we have established partners, we will start working on marketing campaigns, depending on who those partners are. We are not at this stage saying, ‘This is how we’re doing it,’ because different manufacturers and different brands will have different ideas with how they want to do that. And we want to be a part of all of those processes.
“People who have seen the Greenland rubies say, ‘Oh it’s very fractured and it’s really not that great.’ But they haven’t seen anything that’s been properly produced, which is what we’re going to show now.” – Hayley Henning, Greenland Ruby
NJ: What exactly will your presence in Hong Kong entail?

HH: We don’t have a booth, but we have a series of meetings set up with potential customers where they can actually see what the material is and what it looks like. And we’ll be able to explain a little bit better, depending on what their needs are, how much of this material we’ll be able to provide over X amount of time. That’s also the goal with the Greenland material; because we’re a modern, mechanized mining operation, we will be able to know how much material we can produce.

This is something very unique in the colored gemstone industry, especially with rubies and pink sapphires, because there really isn’t much consistent supply of material where we can say--we could produce this material for the next nine years, and this is how it looks and this is what it’s going to cost. Because of that, people will be able to plan their collections.

NJ: So has nine years been established as the life of the mine?

HH: For this particular deposit, we’re looking at nine years, and exploration has identified two other sites that we will be able to go into after that.

NJ: Is there any idea what production will be in terms of number of carats?

HH: No. That’s a little difficult to determine at this stage. We don’t know that yet.

NJ: Have you started planning when the other deposits might be in production?

HH: Our geologists have mapped those projects, but we’re not really there yet. We still have to perfect what we’re doing here first. It is a hard rock deposit, so we’re fine tuning our processing plant so that we end up with a very rich concentrate and, of course, that’s what’s going to be key for our customers--trying to match the best customer with the best product.

NJ: How do you think that these rubies will compare in pricing in the market?

HH: Well that’s another big question. From a price point of view, while I never want to answer a question with ‘I don’t know,’ this series of meetings in Hong Kong is also just to sort of determine our place in the market. We want to get a feel for how people respond to the material. The prices will certainly be market-driven. We have to see exactly what people’s expectations are, balancing that with, of course, what happens at the mine. And then we want to determine, over time, how that will work for everybody’s business.

NJ: So Hong Kong will act as a kind of launching pad for figuring all of that out?

HH: Yes. Exactly. It’s so difficult to put prices on anything because you don’t really know what people are willing to pay. And it depends on what the contract entails and how much they’re interested in buying. There are a lot of different things that come into actual pricing. We’ll see. But certainly the very unusual and exclusive location is what makes this material so different from anything else.

Of course what’s key, too, is all of this talk about responsible sourcing and the responsibility of Greenland Ruby as a company, not only to the people of Greenland but within the industry. We’re actually producing something that is responsible and something that people will really be able to identify from other sources of ruby or pink sapphire because our intention is to keep it separate.

And tracking mine to market is a pretty big part of what it’s all about. This is really the first time that the Greenland government has ever done anything like this. This is really the first big sort of licensing permit that they’ve issued, so it’s unique, and we will, for that reason, be able to keep it separate for a fair amount of time. Then, as I said, it will go into the hands of our partners, who will have agreed to treat the material in the same way and follow the story through to the brands and manufacturers.

NJ: I know you said it’s too early to know exactly what form the marketing will take, but do you think it will include consumer-facing campaigns as well?

HH: Absolutely. It’s much easier today with all the social media that we do; we’re going to be hitting all of those marks with our social media and, obviously, wherever we can as best we can just to drive awareness, and to create pull and desirability and interest. It’s still very early days with this project, so we’ll see how it all rolls out. But we’re very excited.

People do seem to be interested beyond our industry. Everybody, for a start, knows what a ruby is; there’s no explanation needed there. But then they get excited when they hear about Greenland. It’s really not on people’s radars, so they’re fascinated by this idea of finding something red and very precious and rare in this sort of white iciness. It conjures up something very interesting.

People who have seen the materials so far seem to be pleasantly surprised. I think in the past there have been some rumors (about the quality). It’s a hard rock deposit, so it’s tough mining environment there, and because it’s a primary deposit in hard rock, much of the material is fractured. That is the nature of the material. It’s very normal in a primary deposit. It’s been buried under ice and glaciers, and there’s been a huge amount of pressure for millions of years.

There has been some artisanal mining there, which is definitely not easy. It has been done since the 1960s, so some people who have seen the Greenland rubies say, ‘Oh it’s very fractured and it’s really not that great.’ But they haven’t seen anything that’s been properly produced and properly processed, which is what we’re going to show now.

NJ: So with it being so fractured, does that mean it comes in smaller sizes, needs treatment, etc.?

HH: It does come in smaller sizes and does mostly need treatment, which is quite normal for most corundum material. We will be showing the results of some of those treatments and how this material really is, or can be sold commercially as a new and different source.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Mikimoto Les Pétales Campaign Imagery and Les Pétales Necklace
CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into Petals

The “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium Pricing

Luxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.

David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79

Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Diamond Divas Cast
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality Series

It follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.

Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
SMO Golden Gala
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New Foundation

In its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.

Stock image of container ship in port
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials Say

The announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

David Kellie
MajorsJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step Down

Kellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.

Suspects in Glendale burglary
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store Burglary

Police officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.

Ella Klein Internship
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship

The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Madison Keys in Brilliant Earth campaign
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New Ambassador

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

Muse Nordstrom shop-in-shop
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry Hall

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

Shree Ramkrishna Exports
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-Negative

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.

Yeprem Golden Strada Statement Necklace
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From Yeprem

The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Exterior and entryway of Boucheron’s Los Angeles Flagship
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast Flagship

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

Exterior of Marco Bicego Milan Flagship
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan Flagship

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Chrono24 Time Is Our Thing campaign image
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New Campaign

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

Bernadette Mack
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive Director

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Counterfeit Pandora jewelry in bags and boxes
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry Network

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

Cast Issa Rae
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for Relaunch

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

Eve Goldberg, Matthew Denatale, Willie Lopez, Benjamin Goldberg
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship Program

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

Elie Hannoush
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

Claire’s store
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report Says

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Mindi Mond Spike Earrings
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot Rubies

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy