Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you choose “all natural” unheated Rubies and Sapphires?
- Your clientele places maximum value on all natural gemstones that are untreated.
- In the market, natural unheated Rubies and Sapphires belong to a very small minority. If beautiful they are synonyms of high quality.
- Exclusivity and rarity are important for your high-end image and solid reputation.
Why should you use “traditionally” heated Rubies and Sapphires without any flux-residues or with insignificant to minor extent of flux-residues?
- Fine gemstones that have been “traditionally/routinely” heated have their own value. Enhanced by heat, their altered color originates from within the stone’s own potential.
- Insignificant to minor residues are considered irrelevant to quality. The gemstones can be of fine quality and a disclosure regarding its enhancement is routine. This enhancement is permanent and requires no special handling or care.
Why don’t we offer heat-treated Rubies and Sapphires with prominent/significant flux residues as inclusions?
- These treated stones are not only enhanced but also partly modified with additional foreign material and synthetic growth. Their appearance and the induced glass-fillings do not result from the stone’s own potential.
- Rubies and Sapphires with significant flux-residues used to fill and seal surface reaching fissures and cavities are likely to drastically reduce their appearance when re-polished or recut. In addition stones with flux-induced fissures may wear over time: If treated harshly or exposed to strong solvents and abrasives the glass-fillings may deteriorate.
- Gemstones that have undergone a significant filling treatment are of much lower value. It is misleading not to disclose them as “treated”.
PILLAR & STONE INTERNATIONAL Disclosure Scale
Roland Schluessel, FGA
