My Little Ruby and GIA

[Autumn in New England]

I have been a bit busy with work and as strange as it sounds, haven't been on here as much as my interest in gemstones seems to have diminished as a result of being on weight loss jabs

For me, it also waxes and wanes. I'm glad you're well, and congrats on your weight loss journey!

 

[Indylady]

I bought a ring that was 1920s with Burma sapphires, according to the seller. I sent it to AGL, and the origin was reported as Madagascar. Not possible for an original Edwardian ring. I disputed the charge with my credit card company, and was offered a 60% discount to keep the ring.

Wow!! Thanks for sharing that story. Because if I was purchasing an antique drink, I'd be inclined to believe that the entire ring is actually antique, not just parts of it.

 

[Indylady]

Hi PS Peeps!,
I intended to post this information yesterday but life got in the way.
I spoke to Cyrus on Tuesday. He and his wife own Bird and Bell ( or is it Bell and Bird.? ) in Austin. If you want to see some drool worthy bling, go have a look!
So.. you all saw the GIA report. I’m happy about the color and origin. If I had wanted to invest more in the certification, and find out more about age, it would have gone to another lab. However, not having invested really high $$ in this purchase, and not wanting too (!) , I was focused on making sure it wasn’t a lab stone in an antique mounting. Mission accomplished .

Cyrus’s observations / comments that I was furiously scribbling notes on as he talked:
*It’s probably an older stone , appears to be native cut on bottom and faceted later on
* no hint of orange ( African) , no purple , possibly a hint of pink.
* probably flux heated at a later date ( thanks, @ Dreamer-D for mentioning that!)
*may not havenbeen original to the Edwardian ring but, if not, hasn’t been “ messed with “ in a long time
THIS LAST POINT MIGHT START ANOTHER DISCUSSION!
* old colored gemstones don’t typically have an open culet because an open culet lets color out.
Am I thinking of contacting the original dealer? I don’t think so. The ruby has a glow from within that I just find mesmerizing. Cyrus commented on the glow and the red color, so it isn’t just me. My one complaint is that the ruby isn’t bigger…ha ha.
If the dealer misrepresented the ring, I don’t believe that it was intentional. He deals in high volume and also some stunningly expensive ( at least to me) pieces. Cyrus pointed out that most items( of lower value) can move in and then out again rather quickly.
When I originally thought of selling the ring, it was with the intent of having a larger lab ruby cut by Gary Braun, but I don’t know if this color can be replicated in lab. Anyone experienced with lab rubies ? Are you happy with the color?

So, there’s the latest installment of the saga of my Little Red.
I appreciate everyone of you who have commented.. You all have such gorgeous pieces and a wealth of knowledge. Thank you so much for sharing, always!

My experience with lab rubies is that they are nothing like natural rubies. Truly. My lab red Ruby is really red, and it's gorgeous for what it is, but it doesn't look anything like my Burmese rubies.

 

[Indylady]

@jeaniefish - did Bell and Bird send in the ring to GIA for you? How did you find the process? I have a few stones that I'd love to send in to GIA, but haven't ever done the process myself

 

[jeaniefish]

@jeaniefish - did Bell and Bird send in the ring to GIA for you? How did you find the process? I have a few stones that I'd love to send in to GIA, but haven't ever done the process myself

Hi,
Yes, Bell & Bird did send my ring to GIA . My daughter took it to him and paid for his time and the cost of certification, so it was more expensive than just sending it to GIA myself. I think you can find the actual cost on GIA website? It was not a quick process but , for the information I got on the ruby, it was worth it.

 

[Indylady]

Hi,
Yes, Bell & Bird did send my ring to GIA . My daughter took it to him and paid for his time and the cost of certification, so it was more expensive than just sending it to GIA myself. I think you can find the actual cost on GIA website? It was not a quick process but , for the information I got on the ruby, it was worth it.

Thanks so much for the info! Sending it in yourself is actually kind of complicated, I think you have to have an account, etc. So sending it in through jeweler is easier. But I've always wondered how the fees break down. I'm of course happy to pay for a Jewelers time.

 

[jeaniefish]

Just a follow up on the ruby ring. It was sold to a shop in Austin that was recommended to me by the lovely owners of Bell and Bird. I got a price that I could live with and, surprisingly, more than I offered it for either on LT or eBay. That was a nice surprise. I realize that the new owners will price it even higher or may have a buyer already. I hope that whoever wears it next will love it and wear it for many years.It would be the perfect engagement ring.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Late to the party but wow! Lovely ring. How’s the flatulent pup?

 

[jeaniefish]

Late to the party but wow! Lovely ring. How’s the flatulent pup?

Late to the party but wow! Lovely ring. How’s the flatulent pup?

She’s a happy girl , and I’m relieved to report that she’s much better. We now call her Princess Potty Pad, but that’s a whole other story. Thanks for asking!

 

[Mrsz1ppy]

Wow!! Thanks for sharing that story. Because if I was purchasing an antique drink, I'd be inclined to believe that the entire ring is actually antique, not just parts of it.

As did I! The price certainly was for an original, intact antique at $18,000.