Editors

"Composite Rubies"

EditorsJan 20, 2011

"Composite Rubies"

This blog entry was written and submitted to National Jeweler 10X by gem author Antoinette Matlins. Are you one of the increasing number who are buying and selling “composite rubies”—unknowingly? If you buy and sell rubies today, this fact sheet...

This blog entry was written and submitted to National Jeweler 10X by gem author Antoinette Matlins.


 


Are you one of the increasing number who are
buying and selling “composite rubies”—unknowingly? 
 
If you buy and sell rubies today, this fact sheet on composite ruby – a ruby-like material created by combining lead-glass and corundum – is must reading! Confusion between these and “traditionally treated” rubies containing some small amounts of glass has already resulted in financial loss and damage to reputations, and it will get worse until the confusion is eliminated.
            A recent press release from a respected organization stated: "the only difference between the earlier fracture-filled rubies and the newer glass-filled variety is a matter of stability."  Nothing is more misleading than such a statement, but even worse, it reflects a lack of knowledge about what these stones really are. When a ruby contains lead-glass—regardless of the amount—the differences are much greater than "stability." Such a product is not "the same thing" as a ruby traditionally treated with minimal glass in a fracture or in which some glass residue is present in small fissures. It is an altogether different product that is much less durable, requires greater—and different—care, won’t stand the “test of time,” and has a dramatically lower value.
            So the following is provided to help eliminate the confusion about these products in an effort to help gemologists, gem dealers, retailers, designers, and bench jewelers understand the differences and why it is so important to know how to spot them and why you need to have quality control procedures in place to avoid inadvertently misrepresenting what you are selling.
 
    1.      What Is "Composite Ruby"?

      “Composite” ruby–a substance resulting from combining low-grade corundum with lead-glass – first appeared in the market in 2006. Initially the quantity of stones entering the market was small and so they entered undetected. Since then, the number has skyrocketed and in an increasing number of cases, so has the percentage of the lead-glass component; today, the lead-glass often accounts for much of the stone’s weight.
         Today, experts estimate that the majority of commercial grade “rubies” now being sold are actually not traditionally treated ruby, but rather, a mixture of lead-glass and corundum. The presence of lead-glass alone puts these rubies in a different category because with any amount of lead glass, the ability of any grader to accurately characterize the clarity

of the stone and determine whether or not fractures pose a durability risk is greatly reduced. So regardless of the "percentage" of lead-glass present, these stones need to be classified separately from others, which major laboratories are now doing. 
    This material is now being called "composite ruby" by an increasing number of gem testing laboratories around the world, and this is the nomenclature recommended by the ICA laboratory commission as the appropriate nomenclature to use for this material. While the amount of lead-glass present doesn't determine its classification--just the presence of lead-glass at all qualifies it for separate classification--even the best material contains much more glass than what is found in traditionally-treated rubies that may have some glass residue or glass-fillings in fractures; the composite-ruby in the market typically contains a huge percentage of lead-glass, much more than is found in stones improved by traditional methods. Increasingly we are finding that lead-glass constitutes 40-50% of composite rubies, or more! According to some labs, stones containing higher percentages of lead-glass are appearing with dramatically increasing frequency.  This is why they are readily available at gem shows around the world for only a few dollars; most of the material in today’s market costs less than $10. per carat, even in large sizes, and much less when buying quantities rather than single stones.

For reasons explained below, an increasing number of groups, including the Accredited
Gemologists Association (AGA) – an organization that has gained international recognition for
its efforts in addressing serious issues affecting the gem and jewelry trade – have taken the position that while these stones have a place in the costume or fashion-jewelry market, they should be sold only in ways that make it clear they are imitations and that they are not genuine rubies. According to an increasing number of experts in the United States, composite rubies do not have the qualities required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the USA to be represented as either “rubies” or “gems.” They look great—in fact, they often look like very fine rubies, of fine color—but they are not what they appear to be. Buyers need to be aware that this material should not be confused with natural or traditionally-treated ruby nor should it be sold as such.   
 
2. In What Other Ways Do Composite Rubies Differ From Traditionally Treated
    Rubies Containing Glass?

     Composite rubies make great ruby look-alikes, but since they usually have such a high     percentage of lead-glass, they are much less valuable, and much more fragile than natural or    traditionally treated rubies. Consumers and retailers considering the purchase of a composite-ruby     should be aware that these products are much more easily damaged in the course of everyday wear
    than natural or traditionally-treated rubies. As a result, composite- rubies lack the longevity of     natural or traditionally-treated rubies so their beauty can deteriorate quickly.

Composite rubies coming into contact with a variety of common household substances and various types of surfaces that pose no threat to natural ruby or rubies treated by routine techniques have proved disastrous for composite rubies. During the past year, numerous incidences have been reported which have shown that the lead-glass component of these stones is susceptible to scratching, nicking, fracturing and chemical etching from otherwise routine activities that would pose no threat for natural rubies, traditionally treated rubies, or many other gemstones. In addition:  
       
-- Composite rubies differ in cost/value. As mentioned above, these stones typically cost only a 
    few dollars per carat while traditionally treated rubies containing glass sell for hundreds to 
    thousands of dollars per carat.
 
-- The weight of the stone is misleading because it represents the weight of the ruby and
    glass,  combined.  Thus, when stated as the weight of the "ruby" it is inaccurate and inflated
    since frequently 1/3 of the weight, or more, is lead-glass. As a result of the extremely high
    percentage of lead-glass in composites, determining the weight of the actual ruby is virtually
    impossible without expensive, sophisticated testing.
    Traditionally treated rubies that contain glass have minimal amounts of glass present, either
    as residue in surface reaching fissures (as a result of very high heat techniques) or i
n
    fractures that have been filled with glass (called “fracture-filled” or "in-filled" ruby) to reduce
    their visibility or reflectivity. In traditionally treated rubies containing glass, the amount
    of glass is usually much less than the amount of lead-glass added to the low-grade corundum
    used to create composite ruby and thus has very little if any impact on the stones' carat weight.
 
-- One cannot easily determine where the lead-glass ends and the ruby begins in a
    composite ruby so it is much more difficult to judge the stone's clarity accurately.
    Since the corundum is mixed with lead-glass, which has a refractive index (RI) much closer
    to that of ruby, it is much more difficult to accurately judge the clarity for grading
    purposes and, perhaps even more important with composite rubies, it is much more
    difficut (if not impossible) to determine whether or not there are any serious fractures
    that could make the stone more prone to damage from an accidental blow in the course
    of normal wear, or when setting or un-setting the stone.. 

3.  Why Does Composite Ruby Need Greater Care Than Traditionally Treated
     RubyWith Glass?
   
Composite rubies require much greater care than traditionally treated ruby— including extreme care in the course of normal wear—because of the unusually high percentage of
lead-glass present. Lead-glass does not have the hardness of ruby, it lacks the toughness of ruby, it is susceptible to many chemicals and acids that won’t hurt ruby at all, and it can suffer damage from much lower heat than ruby.

 -- Composite rubies make great ruby "look-alikes" but every precaution must be taken
      to avoid contact with substances harder than lead-glass to prevent scratching and to
     protect the stone against accidental knocks or blows that can cause chipping of the lead-
     glass, or worsening of scratches or chips already present; pre-existing scratches,  nicks or
     chips can also be easily worsened with daily wear.  
   
-- Contact with common substances such as lemon juice (which can occur accidentally
    while squeezing a lemon over such things as fish or a salad) can cause acid etching
     of the lead-glass, wherever it reaches the surface, ruining the appearance of the stone.
 
4.   Do Bench Jewelers Need To Handle Composite Rubies Differently Than
     Traditionally Treated Rubies With Glass?
 
YES! Bench jewelers are at extremely high risk unless they are able to distinguish composite-ruby
from traditionally treated ruby.  They must exercise extreme care because composite-rubies look
like ruby but don't respond in the same way to basic techniques jewelers are accustomed to using
when working with ruby. It is imperative that bench jewelers know how to spot composite rubies
because bench jewelers are at great risk of damaging any composite ruby present in any piece of
jewelry on which they are working. Bench jewelers must take every precaution when working with
rubies; those who have had to deal with the consequences of ruining a composite ruby warn that it is
not possible to be “too careful” when handling any ruby today!
 
-- Composite-rubies cannot be subjected to routine bench techniques and can be quickly
    and irreparably damaged doing simple, basic jobs such as re-sizing,  re-mounting,
    or re-plating with rhodium. Immersion in the jeweler's "pickle," and use of a torch for only
    a few minutes, will do extensive, irreparable damage to the appearance of the stone.
             
Why Is The Risk Higher When Working With Composite Ruby Than It Is When Working With
Traditionally-Treated Ruby Containing Glass ?
 
 -- A traditionally-treated ruby with glass residue in surface fissures or glass fillings in
     fractures also requires special care (especially where chemicals and heat are
     concerned) but if damaged, the impact on appearance is much less noticeable and
     can usually be repaired with little or no effect on the value of the stone. This is not the
     case with composite rubies; a damaged composite ruby is a total loss. There have
     been reported cases where a composite ruby has crumbled apart at the jeweler’s bench!
     Some jewelers have sent them to a cutter for re-polishing in the hope of salvaging the situation,
     but the resulting weight loss and size reduction is obvious, and the cost to re-cut the stone
     is usually much more than the cost of the original composite ruby.

5.  Do Composite Rubies Pose Greater Risk To The Jewelry Trade Than
    Traditionally Treated Rubies With Glass?
 
 Yes, composite rubies pose a greater risk to the trade because they are not being identified
  as something that is different from traditionally treated ruby, despite the serious differences
  in durability, longevity, and value.

      -- Composite rubies are sold at gem shows worldwide at prices typically ranging from a
 few dollars per carat up to $25 per carat (and in very rare cases, as much as $100 per carat),
 but most composite rubies sell for under $10 per carat, regardless of size. However, as a
 result of confusion related to what they are, most composite rubies are being misrepresented
 and sold as "traditionally treated ruby" at highly inflated prices, often in the hundreds
 to thousands of dollars per carat. This appears to be the case with several major, national
 retailers in the USA, where composite-rubies are being sold at highly inflated prices. For
 example, a 2.5 carat ruby—that anyone can buy in Tucson or at any other gem show for just a
 few dollars per carat—set in 14 karat gold, with numerous commercial-quality diamonds
 weighing under 1/4 carat, total weight, was sold at one of these chains for over $3,000!
        But it doesn't stop with chain stores.  Composite rubies are now being misrepresented
 as "traditionally treated ruby" and sold at inflated prices in other venues, including auctions
 and antique and estate jewelry shows, sold by reputable—and unsuspecting—antique and
 estate dealers. Gems & Gemology just reported receiving an antique piece with natural pearls
 and what appeared to be a very fine ruby at its center, which was found to be a “lead-glass filled”
 ruby--a composite! Composite-rubies are also beginning to appear in traditional jewelry stores,
 being misrepresented and sold as traditionally treated ruby, at inflated prices. And making
 matters worse, many appraisers who have not kept current about this issue are failing to properly
 disti
nguish between composite ruby and traditionally-treated ruby with glass residues or
 in-fillings, resulting in inflated appraisal valuations.
 
      -- If sold at prices amounting to a few dollars, as "fashion" or "costume" jewelry, no one                    
           would care if they get scratched or damaged with normal wear, nor would anyone
           bother to take them to a jeweler for remounting, etc. But this is not currently the
         case; people are paying inflated prices for something they believe to be a "ruby"
         when it is an entirely different product, and if damaged by a retailer or bench
         jeweler they cannot be repaired. In such cases, the customer -- who usually does not
         know what they have, and who will certainly not believe they did not have a fine ruby
         unless this was pointed out immediately when they left what they believed to be a
         "precious" gem with the jeweler -- will expect remuneration for whatever they paid for
         it (usually much more than it's worth) or expect replacement with a “real ruby." In these
         cases, in addition to the financial loss, the jeweler’s reputation is also damaged and the
         customer is probably lost forever.

  Where Risk To The Trade Is Concerned, How Do Composites Differ From Traditionally 
  Treated Ruby That Contains Glass?
 
 There is much MORE risk of financial loss or damage to one’s reputation when selling or
  working on a piece of jewelry containing a composite-ruby than  there is when selling
  or working on a piece of jewelry containing rubies treated by  traditionally accepted techniques,
  even one with glass residue in fissures or one  that has been fracture filled. In cases where damage

does occur with a traditionally “treated” ruby, re-polishing or re-filling can usually restore the
stone to its prior appearance, at minimal or no cost to the bench jeweler/retailer, and without
affecting the value of the ruby. While damage to a traditionally-treated ruby can be repaired with little
or no loss in stone weight or value, this is NOT the case with composite ruby; a damaged composite
ruby is usually a total loss!
 
A SUMMARY OF THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COMPOSITE RUBY AND TRADITIONALLY TREATED RUBY WITH GLASS
 
When the glass used in the treatment is lead-glass, regardless of the actual amount of lead-glass present (although 30%-60% seems to reflect the current norm), the differences between such a stone—a composite ruby—and a natural or traditionally treated ruby with glass in fissures or in which fractures have been glass-filled, are much greater than "stability." Composite rubies are not "the same thing" as a traditionally treated ruby with minimal normal glass in a fracture or in which glass residue is present in small fissures; composite rubies are NOT traditional glass-filled rubies. They are an altogether different product that is much less durable, has limited longevity, requires very different care, has a dramatically lower value, and does not qualify as either a “ruby” or a “gem.”
 
There is a market for composite ruby, and probably a very large market, but not as a genuine ruby, traditionally treated or otherwise. There must be a clear distinction made between composite ruby and other rubies in the marketplace. Retailers, manufacturers, designers, bench jewelers, and appraisers must understand the differences and be able to recognize and distinguish between them. And consumers must also be educated about these stones so that they understand they are in the marketplace, and so that they can make informed choices about their purchases.  


The Latest

Stock image of people shopping in a mall
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRF

The National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.

Tallulah Willis’ Engagement Ring
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With Magic

The 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.

158.2-carat yellow diamond from Diavik
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond

Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Buccellati Naturalia exhibition
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in Milan

The multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on Tariffs

The virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.

Bea Bongiasca Animali Tarallo Collection Royal Blue Tang Fish “Dory”
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a Zoo

The pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas store
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For Now

Parent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.

Natural color diamonds on display at Smithsonian National Museum of History
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C.

Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

Punchmark
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client Workshop

The educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.

Bergman Jewelers family
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 Years

The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

QVC Group Inc. logo
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in Florida

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS)
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann Collection Bracelets
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry Collection

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Mindi Mond Clarity Earrings
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in Diamonds

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

×

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