Ruby Rings

Fine rubies are very rare and buying them has become increasingly difficult with the new treatments showing up in the marketplace. From heat treatment to beryllium diffusion to lead glass filling, treatments are very common, some are accepted and others are unorthodox. Untreated rubies are extremely rare and represent less than 1% of gems in the market. Most rubies available are heat treated. This is a permanent treatment and is an industry-wide accepted practice. Beryllium diffusion is somewhat uncommon and is a process by which beryllium is heated along with the ruby and during the treatment period, some of the beryllium diffuses into the ruby crystal lattice. This creates a more intense color. Glass filled rubies are made by taking bleached ruby rough and then heating it with glass. The glass penetrates the ruby and improves the clarity. This treatment is not at all stable and reduces the value of the ruby considerably. Both beryllium diffusion and lead glass filling treatments are not accepted by the industry. As a consumer looking for a fine quality ruby, check carefully to be sure the ruby you are buying has not been subjected to either one of these treatments.