Post subject: From GemeWizard: The effect heat has on rubies
Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2019 9:36 pm
Site Admin
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
GemeWizard wrote:
Heat treatment for rubies has been around for many generations. The ability to relatively easy to improve the ruby appearance, in terms of color and clarity, enabled fulfilling the market needs. Consequently, it was always considered a legit treatment. Prices of the heated gems were not far from their unheated companions of the same quality, maybe 20-30% cheaper.
However, in the last 3 decades, something changed. The price of unheated ruby climbed to new levels, and has become more than double that of heated rubies. Moreover, our records show that this tendency is even furtherly intensifying in the past 3 years, clearly distinguishing between the two gem conditions.
And not only that, but many customers, especially the wealthy ones, cannot accept heated ruby gems anymore, even if the gem is amazingly beautiful. Absurdly as it sounds, they would prefer to buy a smaller unheated gem totaling the same price.
The current trend is that there are many heated rubies, but very few unheated ones. And this fuels the demand for the rarer. For Example, an impressive 5 carat unheated Burmese ruby is offered today (in total) for more than double that of a 10 carat heated Burmese.
If the current trend will continue to intensify, the heat enhancement for rubies may become a less legit procedure! We shall continue monitoring it and update you.
Post subject: Re: From GemeWizard: The effect heat has on rubies
Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2019 10:04 pm
Established Member
Joined: Sun Aug 03, 2014 10:27 pm Posts: 17
Very interesting read. I guess I can personally agree with the article. There is something that feels more precious knowing the gemstone is raw and untreated both as rough and a finished gemstone. Maybe it's a millenial thing lol.
For example I have a couple pieces of scapolite that have tiny black spots in it. I think it will great to finish the gemstone with these carbon blobs visable compared to a flawless piece of scapolite.. it gives the gemstone character and unique qualities.
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