An oiled ruby?

[boerumbiddy]

Doyle's next jewelry auction lists this rather attractive Burmese ruby ring (perhaps a little on the pink side) and AGL says it has not been heated but shows faint clarity enhancement in the form of oil. That seems unusual. Would it be stable? How much would that detract from its value?

Link to catalogue listing:
http://www.doylenewyork.com/asp/fullCatalogue.asp?salelot=13JL05+++397+&refno=++986637

 

[Rubeum]

Is the traditional method with which you repair the cracks of the stones. Obviously for corundum is much rarer than emeralds and it is a type of treatment preferable to modern treatments.

 

[boerumbiddy]

Was only familiar with oil for emeralds. So if I bought this ring could I beg off washing the dishes to protect it?

 

[chrono]

Oiling of rubies is more common than one might think. Few are aware that such treatment exists because other clarity enhancement methods are more commonly used. Just like emerald, oiling isn't permanent and will dry up, requiring a bit more care (no soaping) and eventual re-oiling. I think valuation wise, it is worth more than the usual lead glass filling and heat.

 

[chrono]

Was only familiar with oil for emeralds. So if I bought this ring could I beg off washing the dishes to protect it?

DH will say "take the **** ring off then go wash the dishes".

 

[boerumbiddy]

Luckily, my "DH" literally went home to his mother in about 1977. And now I have a dishwasher...

 

[movie zombie]

LOL! sounds like it was a trade you were happy to make!

 

[boerumbiddy]

As was he. I wasn't very good at being a traditional wife. Someday in another forum I must tell you what happened to the ring, a very warm
OEC just over a carat....

 

[minousbijoux]

Luckily, my "DH" literally went home to his mother in about 1977. And now I have a dishwasher...

On a scale of enhancements, minor residue in the way of oil in the ruby is considered far less invasive than all other treatments - and therefore far less detrimental to value.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Something to consider is that oiling indicates some surface reaching fractures, which aren't "healed" (oil just fills them up but doesn't add structural integrity). I would check to see if there is any worry there and be more careful than usual with a ruby ring.