A Canary in the Ruby Mine
by E. Billie Hughes and Wim Vertriest
Low-Temperature Heat Treatment Experiments on Burmese Ruby
Detection of low temperature heat treatment in ruby and sapphire can present challenges to gemologists. Alterations can be subtle and difficult to detect, yet this treatment can have a significant impact on the value of stones.
Lotus Gemology’s Billie Hughes, in collaboration with GIA’s Wim Vertriest, has conducted a series of heat treatment experiments on Burmese rubies. Their newly published results can help gemologists better understand and detect this type of treatment.
With thanks
We would like to thank the Accredited Gemologists Association for awarding us a research grant that helped to support these experiments.
Tap here to see the full report in Gems & Gemology Winter 2022
