Burmese Ruby Help

[ryancabrera777]

Hi all!

My father bought this stone for my mother in Southern Italy from a family jeweler that has since passed. The only information I was given was that it had a hand-written note confirming its origin (which is now lost) and the jeweler searched around for this stone, finding it at an expo somewhere north. After much speculation, I sent it to GIA to learn more. I don’t know much about gem stones so the information doesn’t mean much to me.

Could anyone help give me a better idea of what I have? Was purchased maybe in 1995. The GIA # is 2239422004

 

[Avondale]

Based on the report, you have confirmation that it is natural ruby and it’s indeed Burmese.

Based on the measurements from the report it’s about 2.2-3 carats. It has a large face up size but it’s very shallow. As a result it’s heavily windowed, as can be seen from the report photo as well.

The ruby has undergone the typical heating with borax that’s usually done to the rubies from Mong Hsu, so it’s quite likely yours came from there as well. No way to be certain, though, it’s just speculation. If the stone was indeed purchased in 1995, that would’ve been not too long after the treatment was discovered (which was early 90s iirc) so it’s possible the jeweller didn’t even know about it. Nowadays it’s a known treatment method for rubies, and quite common.

 

[ryancabrera777]

Based on the report, you have confirmation that it is natural ruby and it’s indeed Burmese.

Based on the measurements from the report it’s about 2.2-3 carats. It has a large face up size but it’s very shallow. As a result it’s heavily windowed, as can be seen from the report photo as well.

The ruby has undergone the typical heating with borax that’s usually done to the rubies from Mong Hsu, so it’s quite likely yours came from there as well. No way to be certain, though, it’s just speculation. If the stone was indeed purchased in 1995, that would’ve been not too long after the treatment was discovered (which was early 90s iirc) so it’s possible the jeweller didn’t even know about it. Nowadays it’s a known treatment method for rubies, and quite common.

Wow, this is beyond helpful. I’ve been trying to learn more about it forever, and when I brought it to a jeweler here in Massachusetts, he didn’t prove very knowledgeable.

Is it worth anything?

 

[Avondale]

Is it worth anything?

Sure, it's worth something, but how much, I could not say. To start, the only photo available is the one from the report, and those aren't exactly known for their accurate representation. Coloured stones are assessed by their colour and their beauty first and foremost. What's on the report only fills in the picture. An ugly stone would still be undesirable, even if it was huge and untreated.

Furthermore, ruby prices are kind of in a weird spot right now where we're reaching astronomical sums for the most desirable stones. The Asian market is bringing in lots of demand and even more available cash. On the other hand, the western buyers are withdrawing because the jump in prices has been reaching somewhere in the vicinity of 3-400% over the course of, idk, less then 5 years?, and to the regular person that just looks ridiculous. I, for one, would not take it upon myself to predict whether the market will be able to bear this inflation consistently, or if the prices will start go down eventually.

 

[Autumn in New England]

You received some great feedback, OP. What a lovely family heirloom... welcome to the forum!

 

[ryancabrera777]

Sure, it's worth something, but how much, I could not say. To start, the only photo available is the one from the report, and those aren't exactly known for their accurate representation. Coloured stones are assessed by their colour and their beauty first and foremost. What's on the report only fills in the picture. An ugly stone would still be undesirable, even if it was huge and untreated.

Furthermore, ruby prices are kind of in a weird spot right now where we're reaching astronomical sums for the most desirable stones. The Asian market is bringing in lots of demand and even more available cash. On the other hand, the western buyers are withdrawing because the jump in prices has been reaching somewhere in the vicinity of 3-400% over the course of, idk, less then 5 years?, and to the regular person that just looks ridiculous. I, for one, would not take it upon myself to predict whether the market will be able to bear this inflation consistently, or if the prices will start go down eventually.

I certainly feel lucky for stumbling into this forum. Thank you extremely Avondale and to all of you for being so accepting and helpful. I wish you a magical holiday season!