Rare unheated ruby and diamond ring

Just exactly how rare is an unheated ruby? Regardless of its origin?

Much has been said and written about the differences in value between an unheated and heated ruby. In addition, there is also a category reserved for “glass-filled” or “lead-filled” or “lead glass-filled” rubies. These 3 terms pretty much mean the same thing, which essentially means, rubies that have been filled with high-lead-content glass, which made the rubies appear more transparent after the treatment process. Filling ruby material with lead glass enabled what would have been nothing more than material specimen mainly used for gemological studies; definitely nothing of decent commercial value. In addition, filling gemstones with lead glass actually adds carat weight to the material. What does this mean for end consumers? Essentially, consumers will pay more for glass instead of gemstones. More can be read about lead-filled rubies here: https://www.gia.edu/doc/SP06A2.pdf

Heated rubies in our present, modern-day gemstone and jewellery market have become more commonplace because it remains a fact that unheated, 100% natural rubies oftentimes, have a lacklustre and dull appearance. Ruby material is heated to improve the colour and clarity of the rough and ultimately, the polished gemstone. It is important to recognise this because it impacts the price differences between heated and unheated rubies and the market premium accorded to unheated rubies. Without the heating process, commercial quality rubies would have a lot more eye-visible inclusions, opacity and dullness, which would result in these rubies being unable to be sold at fair prices or worse, not sold at all.

Unheated rubies as mentioned above, are typically heavily included with a dull appearance. To understand it in a nutshell, as this article aptly describes: “Very few of the recovered rubies are of high enough quality to be sold on the market. In fact, only about 1% of all corundum found is gem quality. Of those rubies, only a fraction remains untreated.” https://thenaturalrubycompany.com/education/ruby-characteristics/ruby-rarity-value/

Let’s all take a moment to consider this statement: of the 1% of all corundum mined from earth being gem quality, only a fraction of this 1% remains untreated and unheated.

“Gem quality” usually means a gem has the aesthetic appeal to the human eye. Eye-clean, with even colour tones throughout the gemstone, with good brilliance and lustre.

Seen below is a rare unheated 1+ ct ruby, set in diamond halo with 18K Natural Gold. It is becoming increasingly difficult to source for eye-clean unheated rubies that are facetted and polished with a nice finish and cutting symmetry. In addition, unheated rubies are almost always presenting themselves in a somewhat dull and lacklustre appearance, oftentimes looking somewhat cloudy.

To find a ruby that checks the following will involve more than just luck:
1. Unheated
2. Eye-clean
3. Lively appearance with fair – good brilliance. Not dull and not cloudy looking
4. In a properly facetted, well-proportioned symmetry

Unheated Tanzanite Earrings Heritage Gems

Unlike the vibrant blue, violet, purple Tanzanites that most jewellery lovers are used to seeing in stores, unheated Tanzanites are not as common. Featured below is a pair of unheated Tanzanite earrings.

These gemstones display flashes of blue, periwinkle, cool grey tones, earthy yellow green tones that sparkle underneath. Unheated Tanzanites are however, not a common sight. Unlike most precious coloured gemstones, Tanzanites are typically and usually loupe clean – which make them so easy to love. Tanzanites in general also have very good dispersion, and strong pleochroism. Pleochroism is a term used by gemologists to describe the myriad colours seen in the same gemstone when viewed from different directions. This makes for a very alluring optical dazzle for any gemstone and jewellery lover.

Tanzanites, as the name suggests are mined predominantly in Tanzania. This limited source renders in Tanzanites being at least 1000x more rare than diamonds. Due to it’s small scale of source location, gemologists believe that in the next 2 to 3 decade to come, there will be no more Tanzanite rough left to mine. After the sour has become depleted, there will be no more first-hand owners of this gem and will become precious heirloom material.

These unheated tanzanite earrings are set in a classic design that never gets old, easy to pair with just about any attire. Dress them up, or dress them down. Wear these ear studs with your hair up or down, it will be sure to impress.

Read more about our previous customised Tanzanite jewellery here:

Below is some brief information about Tanzanites:

https://www.gia.edu/tanzanite

Thank you for the shout-out Channel News Asia!

It is never a dull moment when it comes to choosing a fine coloured gemstone for your bespoke piece of bridal jewellery.

Head on down to Marina Bay Sands this weekend and enjoy our exclusive promotion of $300 off the project’s bill when you customise your bespoke piece with us this weekend. Valid only from 26 – 29 October, at the Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair 2018.

Screen Shot 2018-10-25 at 11.14.31 pm

https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/style/singapore-jewellery-gem-fair-sjgf-2018-engagement-rings-wedding-10857054

Join us at SJGF 2018, Marina Bay Sands, 26th – 29th October 2018. Exclusive Promotion awaits!

2018InviteSJGF

We will be showcasing our latest collection of unheated Sapphires, Malaia Garnets, Tsavorite Garnets, Spinels, in a wide assortment of colours, including our new ready-to-wear collection.

26th October (Friday)  – 29th October (Monday), drop by Marina Bay Sands, Booth F112 to view.

Customise your art pieces with us at the show, in time for Christmas!

*************************************************************************************

Book a customised order with us at this fair from 26 – 29 October and take $300 off your total bill. Applicable to all customised jewellery, including wedding bands and wedding jewellery.

Quote “IGOCT2018” at booth #F112 this weekend. Valid only during above dates, only at Marina Bay Sands Expo Hall. Not valid post-event.

IGOCT2018A(1)

 

Redesign and restyle your old jewellery with us in Singapore

Ever had a bunch of old jewellery items that need refreshing, but you’re not quite sure what to do with them? Would you like to redesign your old jewellery to a piece that you can wear with most of your wardrobe? Often, re-designing your old jewellery allows you to keep the memory alive in a design you would see yourself wear more often. 

Below is an example of an old diamond ring and diamond ear studs that have been well-worn over the years and the owner wanted to have it re-designed into something else.

oldjewellery

diamondcrosspendant

Is it not beautiful after being re-designed and re-set into a diamond cross pendant? Re-styling into a piece that can be worn daily without being overly ostentatious. Simple, classy and elegant. 

It is not at all complicated to redesign your old jewellery. Drop us at email at: heritagegems@gmail.com and let’s get some ideas for you. 

 
Need ideas on how to re-style your older jewellery into newer designs? Read on below: