New Call for Full Disclosure on Ruby and Sapphire Treatment
March 25, 25
(IDEX Online) - Rubies and sapphires are increasingly being irradiated - a treatment that temporarily improves their color - say professional trade bodies in a joint warning.
They express concern about their "pleasing but temporary appearance", especially among gemstones sourced from Sri Lanka.
The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) have been calling for transparency and full disclosure for many years.
AGTA introduced a coding system back in 1981. In 2010 all three organizations reached consensus on global method of colored gemstone treatment disclosure. And in 2022 they issued apress release entitled Irradiation of Rubies: a Cautionary Note.
But the problem persists. AGTA recently highlighted concerns in the United States, where many dealers have, reportedly stopped buying yellow, peach and padparadscha sapphires, as well as rubies from Sri Lanka, because of concerns about their color stability.
The Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), has said it wants to strengthen test reporting and encourage full disclosure, according to the update.
CIBJO, AGTA and ICA call on the authorities in Sri Lanka and elsewhere to address the concerns expressed about irradiated rubies and sapphires.
"This should be done with urgency, since if the present situation is allowed to continue it will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the industry, and by extension on consumer confidence in colored gemstones," they say.
Pic courtesy SSEF shows a sapphire that is (left to right) untreated, treated, and faded.