It came from the sock drawer....

[princessandthepear]

When I first stumbled onto PS I was looking for an engagement ring and reading the RT forum. Unfortunately for me I discovered eBay before the CS forum. I decided to purchase a colored gem from eBay. In the meantime I started reading and learning more about colored stones on this forum. When the gem came, I never even opened the package. Just stuffed it in the sock drawer and chalked the whole experience up to ignorance. The gem was moderately priced and there were several threads about ebay disasters and at the time, drruby was flaming the boards and I really didn't want to post my purchase. When Acinom started a thread about " posting your five ...stones" I finally opened the package. What was inside? A 2016 AGL prestige report, a Gemological Institute Services report from 1992 and a purchase order from a dealer dated 1987 and.......... a 2.19ct Burmese/Mogok pinkish red ruby. Plus a few notes from the previous owner who is a jewelery designer in Colorado. Forgive my photos. My iphone is much better at capturing greens and blues. It browns out pinks, purples and reds.

The purchase order and original certificate describe the ruby as " pinkish red with light inclusions and strong saturation with medium to medium dark tone with good cutting and a replacement value of $1,850.00. The 1992 GIS certificate notes a pinkish red ruby with light inclusions, 50% brilliancy and 80% tone with good cutting. It is not until the 2016 AGL report that treatment is even discussed! The ruby is heat treated with moderate to strong clarity enhancement. I didn't even pay the 1987 value for this gem so guessing a common ruby is not worth much.
Two questions> When was it known and tested for flux filling? What were ruby prices in 1987 and how do I find out how much this gem would be worth now?
Thank you, if you read this to the end. Please suggest settings or tell me what you would do with the ruby.

 

[Bron357]

Unfortunately it’s the wording “moderate to strong clarity enhancement” that would be an indicator for glass filling or in rare cases, oil. So, unfortunately that’s not good.
Currently glass filled rubies sell for only a few dollars.

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

Your post title had me spit out my water onto the keyboard. I wish I could answer your questions but like Bron said I don't believe there is much of a market for this ruby by those who know colored stones.

 

[Bron357]

I’ll just add, glass filled rubies can still be beautiful and people do set them into jewellery.
However you must alert the jeweller to the clarity enhancement, such rubies can’t tolerate any heat ie from a jewellers torch or the chemical “pickle” they use to remove fire scale from the gold.
Also, apparently getting any type of acid ie lemon juice or vinegar on them can cause deterioration.

 

[princessandthepear]

Thanks @Bron357. I knew it couldn't be worth very much because I've paid more for most of my gems, I will remember the care tips and decide if it is even worth setting or return it to the wilds of eBay.

@LisaRN this is "my walk of shame stone." I really felt foolish for buying it when I read threads on CS. This was literally the first colored stone that I ever purchased. Just wanted to make the best of it, learn something and share a laugh. Glad you found the title funny..

 

[Bron357]

Thanks @Bron357. I knew it couldn't be worth very much because I've paid more for most of my gems, I will remember the care tips and decide if it is even worth setting or return it to the wilds of eBay.

@LisaRN this is "my walk of shame stone." I really felt foolish for buying it when I read threads on CS. This was literally the first colored stone that I ever purchased. Just wanted to make the best of it, learn something and share a laugh. Glad you found the title funny..

There is no such thing as the walk of shame!
I, not too long ago, and I fancy myself as knowing “something” about CS bought a spessartite garnet, very proud of myself I was.
Oops, synthetic orange sapphire.

 

[Burmesedaze]

Please don't be. It is a good learning reference and the more we know the better we are equipped. The best defence in purchasing, is in growing knowledge

I'd be curious to see the 1987 document. I suppose it's to show it's a pre embargo stone.

 

[peacechick]

Thanks @Bron357. I knew it couldn't be worth very much because I've paid more for most of my gems, I will remember the care tips and decide if it is even worth setting or return it to the wilds of eBay.

@LisaRN this is "my walk of shame stone." I really felt foolish for buying it when I read threads on CS. This was literally the first colored stone that I ever purchased. Just wanted to make the best of it, learn something and share a laugh. Glad you found the title funny..

I do think though that the seller was rather diligent in giving you all these original documents dating back to 1987. That’s 30 years! A fascinating read even if the gem is not ideal.

 

[Catmom]

Don't feel bad. For a "walk of shame stone" it's pretty good. You should see mine. It has a window the size of Texas, lol.

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

@princessandthepear - When you say your "walk of shame" stone I say "hold my diet Pepsi." You have not seen my first Alexandrite. It would haunt your dreams.

 

[princessandthepear]

Well, thank you all so much for your kind words. I feel better. Here is a pic of the original papers. The vendor really stressed that this is a pre-embargo gem. It might be fun to start or revive a "first gem" thread.

 

[princessandthepear]

The history nerd in me found the similarities and differences in the paperwork to be rather interesting. The 1987 valuation papers actually match the AGL report more closely than the GIS report.