How to sell: Ruby
Customers will love: As the world’s best-known and best-loved red gem, ruby captivates the hearts of gem professionals and consumers alike. In the Sanskrit language, one of the terms for ruby is ratnaraj, meaning King of Gems.
In Burma (a ruby source since 600 AD - now called Myanmar), warriors wore rubies to make themselves invincible in battle.
Retailers will say: Large, fine-quality rubies are extremely rare and valuable. But strong worldwide production and an array of treatments have increased availability and put rubies within the reach of most customers.
It’s unique because: Corundum, of which ruby is the red variety, has excellent toughness, and it is harder than any other natural gem apart from diamond.
Special considerations: Experts estimate up to 95% of rubies undergo some sort of heat treatment. Other treatment includes fracture-filling to improve the clarity appearance by hiding fractures. High heat can damage or destroy the filling.
Learn more about gemstones and how to sell them by experiencing GIA eLearning today – www.gia.edu/elearning
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