Afghan Rubies

[bigricecake]

I am sure that this is no new subject to most people. I am a Soldier stationed in Afghanistan and local merchants have many stones for sale. Rubies, Sapphires, Tourmaline, etc. A friend of mine bought a few stones and had them sent home for testing/appraisal. She said that they were natural rubies and were appraised at $18000. Naturally, I went and bought a few stones of my own, not enough to break the bank...I spent a total of about $200 on a mixed collection. Some are clear, some cloudy as hell, but most have some interesting inclusions (or internal cracks, I can't really tell without a microscope). I have done a fair bit of research before even considering buying, I understand what a natural stone is supposed to look like, but with nothing more powerful than a jeweler's loupe, not much can be determined. I took a picture of one of the stones with this unusual looking "inclusion". Any insight as to weather or not it is an indication of a synthesis would help me. I am, by the way, referring to the curved lines that can be seen inside the stone.

 

[LD]

Please please please be careful. I can't tell you how many posts I've seen from soldiers all saying the same thing. If it were that easy ask yourself why aren't there tons of millionaires in the Forces?

Without YEARS of practice it's virtually impossible to know if you're looking at a natural gemstone or not. The average "new to gemstones" person isn't likely to acquire that kind of acumen for a good few years and that's with lots of learning and looking at gemstones each day. However, even if you know that the stone is natural you then have the minefield of what's actually been done to the gemstone.

For example, a natural untreated ruby (with a lab report) will be vastly more than a natural highly treated dyed, filled, ruby that is worth only a few Dollars rather than thousands. The difference is price is staggering. The most highly treated gemstones are rubies and sapphires.

If you go into this and buy gemstones then think that what you're buying is worthless and then if you make your money back or a bit more you'll be ok BUT be prepared that you may not. Unless you have a lab report (from a reputable lab such as AGL), you won't be able to command big bucks for a stone and so the price will always be limited.

Sorry if this has disappointed you but it's no point not be open so at least you have all the facts and then can make a considered decision.

 

[bigricecake]

The person that I bought them from was very up front about everything. He told me that the stones were heat treated, and even named the mine that the stones come from . I don't have any expectations of becoming a millionaire, even if I can't sell the stones, they would make some great jewelry. I was just wondering if there are any ways to tell natural from synthetic stones with 10x magnification, and what inclusions/imperfections can be characteristic of synthetic stones.

 

[GliderPoss]

As I'm sure the others will agree, even with years of experience - you can't tell everything about a gemstone from a photo. Send it to a reputable lab to be tested.

Best of luck and stay safe.

 

[Barrett]

Looks to have some curved striae present....that is the number one tip off of flame fusion synthetic rubies.

I am more interested in your friend and the appraiser who graded the stones at a value of $18K. I am assuming by your purchase of only $200 worth that tells me your friend didn't make a very large investment either. I wouldn't take that $18,000 appraisal at face value....i have a hunch the appraiser might be wrong...

 

[Barrett]

Looks to have some curved striae present....that is the number one tip off of flame fusion synthetic rubies.

I am more interested in your friend and the appraiser who graded the stones at a value of $18K. I am assuming by your purchase of only $200 worth that tells me your friend didn't make a very large investment either. I wouldn't take that $18,000 appraisal at face value....i have a hunch the appraiser might be wrong...

 

[Barrett]

Looks to have some curved striae present....that is the number one tip off of flame fusion synthetic rubies.

I am more interested in your friend and the appraiser who graded the stones at a value of $18K. I am assuming by your purchase of only $200 worth that tells me your friend didn't make a very large investment either. I wouldn't take that $18,000 appraisal at face value....i have a hunch the appraiser might be wrong...

 

[Barrett]

Looks to have some curved striae present....that is the number one tip off of flame fusion synthetic rubies.

I am more interested in your friend and the appraiser who graded the stones at a value of $18K. I am assuming by your purchase of only $200 worth that tells me your friend didn't make a very large investment either. I wouldn't take that $18,000 appraisal at face value....i have a hunch the appraiser might be wrong...

 

[chrono]

Eh...I am wondering if the appraiser you used knows what he is doing. I doubt the ruby you posted here is a natural stone based on the inclusions shown.