Ruby-glass composites and leaded glass ruby clarity enhancements are difficult for gemologists to detect. Learn how to identify these gems and procedures.
6 Minute Read
During a meeting of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC) in 2007, Dr. Pornsawat Wathanakul (Scientific Advisor to the GIT member) reopened discussions on glass fracture filling in ruby. Several members had noted myriads of large gas bubbles within the newer material submitted to their laboratories. In many cases, they found the glass filled wide seams crossing facets and accounted for an ever-increasing volume of the finished product. Furthermore, members surmised from observation that the glass held the material together. In other words, the glass acted like an adhesive.
Following discussions, the LMHC agreed this treatment went beyond any “fracture filling or clarity enhancement” process. The group decided to describe this (heavily treated) material as “ruby-glass composite” on all future identification reports.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), along with other trade organizations, submitted a brief to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They suggested a number of vocabulary revisions to its Guides to ensure a standard throughout the industry, such as the following:
…
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
During a meeting of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC) in 2007, Dr. Pornsawat Wathanakul (Scientific Advisor to the GIT member) reopened discussions on glass fracture filling in ruby. Several members had noted myriads of large gas bubbles within the newer material submitted to their laboratories. In many cases, they found the glass filled wide seams crossing facets and accounted for an ever-increasing volume of the finished product. Furthermore, members surmised from observation that the glass held the material together. In other words, the glass acted like an adhesive.
Following discussions, the LMHC agreed this treatment went beyond any “fracture filling or clarity enhancement” process. The group decided to describe this (heavily treated) material as “ruby-glass composite” on all future identification reports.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), along with other trade organizations, submitted a brief to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They suggested a number of vocabulary revisions to its Guides to ensure a standard throughout the industry, such as the following:
…
Ruby-glass composites and leaded glass ruby clarity enhancements are difficult for gemologists to detect. Learn how to identify these gems and procedures.
“I have never known or heard of an organization that offers so much for its members, and at such a low cost.”
— Ernest Roisch, Rainbow Rocks LTD
That's less than $0.01 per article. Get instant access to 1,700+ premium articles, courses, and gem pricing data.
