Madagascar and African Ruby

[RubyDuby]

Hi,

I spoke to a guy at a gem store today, and he told me that all African Rubies are glass filled and madagascar rubies are most likely found somewhere else in African but cut in Madagascar (most likely glass filled too). Anyone know if this is pretty accurate information? I feel like I like that darker red color that I have been finding with Madagascar and other African rubies but questioning how much Im being quoted if most are glass filled (jewelry places Ive visited havent been able to locate many with certificate). Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[Avondale]

I don’t know what percentage out of all rubies are glass filled but what I can tell you is their value is basically nonexistent. Think, 30-40-50$ for a stone. So if you’re being offered a glass filled ruby for hundreds or even thousands, run in the other direction.

It’s important to keep in mind that glass filling can be confused with flux healing which is also sometimes referred to as flux filling. You see how they sound similar, but they couldn’t be more different. Flux healing is stable and permanent and commands a lesser price drop, depending on the extent to which is has been used. A flux healed ruby can easily cost a four-figure sum if it’s of good size and quality.

 

[RubyDuby]

Wow thanks for the quick response! That is great information that i should be aware of now. My conversation with him was quitea casual conversion but he did say glass filled, i just don’t know if it was exaggerated. I became very skeptical of all the places who had quoted me about 10k for a non certified 1-2 carat Madagascar ruby without certification now. Thanks again for the info tho! Appreciated

 

[icy_jade]

all African Rubies are glass filled and madagascar rubies are most likely found somewhere else in African but cut in Madagascar (most likely glass filled too)

A load of rubbish. Plenty of non glass filled stones. And loads of stones from Madagascar. But yes pls get certified stones. You just can’t tell based on sight if stones r glass filled or not. Pls don’t buy from that guy.

 

[VividRed]

Totally agree with @icy_jade , there are loads of unheated and untreated rubies from Mozambique and enough Madagascan material in the markets.

Vendors who make such claims simply don’t have access to quality material at wholesale prices or just can’t be bothered, and will try to sell their cheaper, treated inventory.

A quick google search for unheated mozambique ruby will yield tons of results

 

[Avondale]

about 10k for a non certified 1-2 carat Madagascar ruby without certification

1. For that price you definitely want a certificate simply because the level and type of treatment is so determinative of the price. There's nothing inherently wrong with buying a treated stone but you should be informed of it and paying a fair price.
2. At that price point the stone should be unheated and untreated. 1-2ct treated ruby should cost considerably less, especially since there's no origin premium for Burma.

I'm talking about the stone only, of course. If you're looking at stones that are already mounted into jewellery, you have to factor in the price of the setting as well.

 

[Autumn in New England]

A load of rubbish. Plenty of non glass filled stones. And loads of stones from Madagascar. But yes pls get certified stones. You just can’t tell based on sight if stones r glass filled or not. Pls don’t buy from that guy.

100%.

Vendors who make such claims simply don’t have access to quality material at wholesale prices or just can’t be bothered, and will try to sell their cheaper, treated inventory.

100%.

 

[fredflintstone]

Mozambique produces Rubies that in some cases can rival the best Burmese stones at 25% of the price. Many are not treated.

There are dealers passing off Mozambique stones as Burma. That is a testament of two things. The quality of Mozambique Rubies and lack of scruples of some dealers.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Mozambique produces Rubies that in some cases can rival the best Burmese stones at 25% of the price. Many are not treated.

There are dealers passing off Mozambique stones as Burma. That is a testament of two things. The quality of Mozambique Rubies and lack of scruples of some dealers.

150%!!

 

[T L]

Mozambique produces Rubies that in some cases can rival the best Burmese stones at 25% of the price. Many are not treated.

Tajikistan too.

 

[Bron357]

As others have said, the No 1 rule with rubies is appropriate certification.
Rubies can and are treated as well as lab created and to the untrained eye they all look the same but the prices are between $1 and $20,000 per carat.
It matters a lot or you risk paying $$$$ for something worth $.
Rubies are very desirable, rare and expensive. There is potential huge financial gain in treating rubies to look nicer and unscrupulous vendors will feign ignorance and sell aggressively treated material as “Heat only”.
Others will call the colour Pigeon blood red because that’s the “best” colour, suggest a Burmese origin and /or manipulate photos and videos to make the gem look it’s best.
Buy the colour you prefer irrespective of colour label and be guided by the accompanying reputable lab certificate as to treatment status and origin.
You do not want to pay $10,000 for a ruby worth $100 or $1,000.