How to Tell if a Ruby is Fake: Detective Gigi and the Case of the $2 Ruby
Vložit
- čas přidán 21. 06. 2024
- A friend of mine recently purchased a “genuine 17.70 carat natural Burmese ruby” for $2 on an auction website. 🤣 Here is how a gemologist uses gemstone identification tools and tests to figure out the true identity of a gemstone!
Here is a link to the spectroscope I am using:
www.jtv.com/product/lightweig...
And here is a link to a very helpful book on how to use a spectroscope:
www.jtv.com/product/a-student...
Thanks for watching! Questions? Email me: gemswithgigi@gmail.com
US$2 with that type of synthetic ruby quality is really value for money.
Lmao fr
Haha so true! Sometimes the true value resides in the eyes of the beholder 💎😍
I’d like to think so. I got a 62ct stone today I paid about $4 for. Be nice if I could sell some day for enough to at least pay for lunch. 😅
LAncauuu looo
instablaster.
I got a burnese ruby from my partners mother shes had it for many many years in a vault and she made it into a gold ring for me in India. when i got it in america i was warned not to try to sell it. i stared at the rings for days! it was jus so beautiful and i took it to a jewlery store and they tried soooo hard for me to leave it with them to send out to their gemologist .. i refused and went home n decided no matter the worth of my beautiful stone just the fact it blows my mind and amazes me more than all my diamonds emerals and cartiers … is enough to not disapoint myself or have it taken away from me ..
I got a gorgeous large Ruby diamond ring at the Asian Garden mall. She said it is from Thailand. It is fluorescent in sunlight and has some visible inclusion. I love it so much. For me it is real. I really don’t care what ppl would say. I also got an emerald Ruby ring for $5000 from this same jewelry. That Ruby is pigeon blood and cut pear shape so beautiful.
When you said 'curved striations' I knew it was a flame fusion ruby. In bigger stones the pleocroism is very easy to see, that with double refraction under a loupe is pretty conclusive for me that I've got a lab ruby and not glass. The fluorescence of lab rubies is really striking making them look like they're glowing in broad daylight. I like the stuff. She got something really pretty for her $2.
Right. Its not a bad thing to have a created ruby for $2. How fun to pretend. Its the deception that is annoying.
I could not agree more! Sounds like you know your stuff. Thanks for watching!
@Kahel Diamante They do which is why they seems so bright but the fluorescence of lab rubies is stronger.
2$ is worth still so cheap some of bigger websites selling synthetic rubies around 12 hundred dollars and more...I also bought many of them with in 10$ which is worth it and I proud to myself, real rubies 95% people can’t afford it ❤
Thanks , I was in the resale shop - the color of the two dollar necklace was - wonderfull - great red color ,clear , and the silver setting was too shinny. Silver onto platinum ...I'm still not positive ,but I forgot the u v. ...prolly lab ruby and tin coating over copper...I got a very good fake.5 years of geology and I'm still paying tuition...
$2 for a lovely looking synthetic is awesome!
Synthetic ruby cannot be sold with the price of US$ 2.It may be an a red glass.
The ruby sold with the price of US$ 2 may be a red glass but it cannot be a synthetic ruby.
@@gemstonelover3098 It was definitely a Synthetic Ruby. Red glass would have a different absorption spectrum, would be singly-refractive, and would show much more wear and tear since it is a softer stone. It also most likely would not fluoresce.
@@gemstonelover3098 Got one yesterday for $2 and it is absolutely corundum. Obviously lab made but still ruby.
@@frankcastle4715 I am new to this and just facinated by it. I have one too that cost me under $3. It's real ruby, just obviously lab made. Many "reputable" dealers sell them here in the states for about half the cost of natural. Even at wholesale it's easy money if you are collecting or making rings or something. I just don't see how somebody in India can mail me a real ruby for the price? I mean it still has to be made in a lab, faceted and maild to the United States? Even if the Indian government pays for the mail service as some kind of an economic boost for the people, it still makes no f-ing sense...can you explain any of this to me? Thanks bro.
I was still hoping your friend won the gem lottery 😂
Great guide, thanks!
Ruby is my birthstone and I love to know where this came from so I can get one. $2 for a quality synthetic ruby such as this is definitely doable for me and a dream come true.
heck yes. You would have to pay for someone to create the setting for you. You could even go around allowing people to think it is the real thing. just dont try to sell it as if it is.
I believe it was from e-Bay.
I have purchased several stones on eBay for as low as $0.99, up to about $12. There are a handful of sellers, often based in India, who move PILES of synthetic (real but lab-made) and/or fake (something other than what they claim) stones. I have gotten some nice deals, but I have also gotten some pretty bad frauds. 😅 Do some research and then buyer be ware.
@@themanicuredminer7712 well we can't find this $2 dollars synthetic ruby anymore. Did you hored them?
Is a synthetic ruby a real ruby? Do pawnshops accept them?
Very clear description of your research. Thanks. Love the way you presented it.
Thank you! You made my day!
Super helpful. Finally. Thank you so much ❤️
Thank you for watching! I'm really glad that this video helped you!
Thank you so much for the GREAT information!
Thank YOU for watching! :)
Thank you for this! This was incredibly informative.
I'm so glad you found it useful. Thank you for watching!
Outstanding. Explained with simplicity. Thank you.
Thank you for watching, and for the wonderful compliment!
I couldn't pay attention, she is awesomely cute.. I Love your eyes.. 🌻🌻🌻
Thanks for the detailed breakdown. I often come across gemstones that resemble emeralds and rubies but don't have the tools to validate weather they are genuine or not. Usually when they look too good to be true I assume they are.
I highly recommend GIA's Gem ID course. They teach you to evaluate and identify colored gemstones. It might come in handy in your line of work (or you can always ask me for help: gemswithgigi@gmail.com).
Awesome description and video, thanks Timothy
Thanks for watching, Timothy!
Fantastic work professor Gigi learnt so many things about a Ruby!!!
Thank you so much! I'm so glad I was able to teach you a thing or two!
@@themanicuredminer7712 knowledge is my food that I eat it never makes me fat or thin but keeps my brain ticking God bless
Gigi... you ROCK! Thank you so much for this wonderful and informative video. I enjoyed it very much.
thank you so much for making this video! You have such good energy and that I love how well you explain everything. I would love to show you some stones someday. What state are you located in?
thank you so much!
you are a blessing!!!
Loved your explanation.
great informational video! thank you!
I think you are the “Finest Source” for expertise on gyms. 😜
YOU ARE SO PROFESSIONAL
Thank you! And thanks for watching!
I want a leather pouch filled with these just because it would be cool
Me too!
Still for the price paid it would make a nice piece of jewellery
People no longer care about the beauty of an object but about its perceived value. It might look like shit, but if it costs a million dollars, everyone will be clapping in awe.
Yeah. I mean if it's chemically-speaking an actual ruby, but lab grown, who gives a shit? It's still fucking beautiful and without the fogginess of a real one. This isn't like fake gold which tarnishes or fake silver which lacks the whiteness and luster of real silver.
Plus it's a great story, right?!
In my personal opinion, even simple glass can be made into a spectacual jewel. Gemcutting should be seen as an art form and the inherant value should be based on the artistic aspect of the jewel rather than the implied value being based on rarity of a natural stone. Having said that, its important to note that the artwork of mother nature transcends any human artist and some natural stones are as close to being magical as one could rationally discern. Still, no reason a carved or faceted piece of glass shouldnt be worth as much or more than a natural gem counterpart if crafted with love and passion. Glass is far less durable than corundum - this is the only logistic value of corundum beyond its natural beauty and variety. But if youre going to cut it apart and hide its original beauty you may as well use synthetic gems or glass. Let nature make her art appreciate it in its natural form. Who agrees?? 😁💎
@@dab0331 true, but if you want the spiritual benefits then its a different story, crystal therapy is real, different gems can have certain psychological benefits and effects.
Youre one of those teachers that are easy to pay attention to
oooo great video! very informative
Very good review, just a question regarding gemstones selling in the US, is it possible to find customers if some one like want to sell gem stones, is their Government documentation needed or any form of license for selling gem stones. Please elaborate about that.
that was soo helpful!
Thank you so much! Thanks for watching!
Very cool, thanks. ❤
I have a largish, lab grown, vintage (60's), ruby ring I bought for $500. Canadian, that I love. 😊My new colleagues were impressed. I then bought a ruby colour lipstick to go with it. ; )
at you site it mentioned, Red Mahaleo Ruby. what is it? Real or Lab created?
This is truly helpful especially for 1st time gem collectors. Thanks and more power!
Thank you! I'm so glad that it helped you! If you ever have any other gemstone questions, you can email me at gemswithgigi@gmail.com
@@themanicuredminer7712 could you tell me a website that you now selling natural ruby plz
My dad got my mom a promise ring in the 90s with a heart shaped ruby. It's redish pink and has a gold braided band. It's very pretty he says its real and only got it for 250 but I don't know if he got scammed or not It's also like a carat and some change. It was passed down to me so I'm trying to find this out
Thanks for an informative video.
Thank YOU for watching my video and taking the time to comment!
That’s a big ruby🤩
Synthetic Ruby is still Corumdum, still Ruby. I cant afford a natural anyway. Lol! Im more upset that the lapidary work is not good. This gives me another option as a gift for my Mom.
I could not agree more! Thanks for watching!
Thanks, you answered my question before I typed it. So synthetic ruby has the same chemical composition and hardness as a natural ruby? Around 9 on Moh's scale?
Can you recommend a good make uv torch and magnifier for inspection ruby? Cheers!
I like the Way Too Cool UV light from www.fluorescents.com. Tell them Gigi sent you!
I dont understand. Even if it were just glass the printed pvc card and cutting and processed ruby is still worth way more than 2$ plus shipping. ?? How much is it worth
What you showed us is just lovely. 👍👌 Hope you will guide us in the other precious stones. Keep up the good work. Where is your lab anyway? Any branch in India?
Thank you for watching! I used to work for a home shopping network when I created this video, not a lab. I currently work at GIA as an instructor.
I was given to very old rings that have ruby's in them. I took them to a jeweler to have an appraisal . The jeweler just looked at them with his eye nothing else. Told me the rings were very old. But made of glass. Then offered me $90. Should they have used instruments as you did?
Lovely pearl necklace.
Synthetic ruby is not fake, just created in laboratory.
I like to see a comparison between rubies, red garnets and red glass.
'Me too'.I have a reddish stone in a silver pendant and i am just curious to find out.
So if it's synthetic, does it make it any less ruby? It's the same base materials, it's just the fusion process that's different, no? Just wondering as I actually prefer lab created sapphire as it's cleaner and usually larger gems with no inclusions
The Federal Trade Commission defines a synthetic gemstone as one that has *essentially* the same optical, physical, and chemical properties. A Synthetic Ruby is considered an actual Ruby, because, as you rightly said, it has the same ingredients, as well as the same appearance and characteristics (hardness, brilliance, etc). The only difference is the formation process, as well as its relative rarity. I prefer the look (and price) of big, clean, synthetic gems, too! Thanks for watching!
hello good night I liked your video and I dare ask how I can know if the painite is real or true. I am a collector and I have three of this kind. I know they are very expensive but I got them at auction and another two pieces of painita are about to arrive.
Are you still on JTV ? Do you have an Art channel?
I have a ruby ring and I want to issue a certificate for the gem, how to do?
I create my own earrings. Would you find it strange if I were to set affordable synthetic (lab created) Rubies/Sapphires,etc in expensive settings such as White Gold, and or Platinum?
Not at all! Big jewelry companies do this all the time. A famous actress wore a huge and dramatic pair of Synthetic Sapphires set in white gold to a recent Academy Awards show!
Nice sales talk at the end.. 😁😁😁
Meh, I was required to do that when I worked there. I work at GIA now as an instructor. I still think JTV is a great value, though!
Hello good day. Can I ask. about prices in Rubís since I bought. Ruby pigeon blood but I do not know what price they have for carats and I thank your information
Unfortunately, I am legally unable to give you advice on pricing information. Sorry!
@@themanicuredminer7712 do not worry. You know something very interesting. A few months ago I found a diamond. raw. over 2000 carats in the state of connecticut. I already checked it and everything I think is still in matrix due to the density. the conductivity is fine. hardness too. Now I know there is not even a diamond found in this country. and mine would be the first. Diamond. but I need access to the subject to be able to. sell it
If someone were to make synthetic gemstones of high quality, and yet wanted to make sure that someone could not misrepresent the stone later, what could the maker dope the material with that would fluoresce under UV and yet look correct under natural light?
Rubies.
Hmm, this is actually a very difficult question, because the ingredient which makes a stone fluoresce under UV light is also usually the coloring agent that gives the stone its color under visible lighting. Ruby derives its red color from chromium. Chromium usually causes red fluorescence. See the problem? Adding an ingredient just to cause a UV reaction would inevitably change the regular color of the stone, as well. Thanks for watching, and for asking such a great question!
@@themanicuredminer7712 In fact, it is possible to include uv inhibiter to lower the fluorescence under uv in lab ruby. Usually, gemme ruby get a lower fluorescence than lab ruby. But this can be match.
Bottom line, a well cut lab ruby cannot be identified by any gemologist without instruments. So.. why pay more?
Hallo I frome Aceh Indonesia I also have a single lump of a clear red ruby but it's small the size of a pomegranate seed. If I sell it, how much can it sell for?
Hi. Thanks a lot for this information
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!
Where could we see curved striation on surface of the stone or under the surface ?
I bought rough material from tanzania big lot 3,4 stones are too good I thought it could be synthetic. I sent those 2 pieces to lab and they said it’s synthetic but i cant able to see curved lines . Kindly guide me if you could
You would see them under magnification inside the stone.
I learned a lot, thank you! Can you put a link to your spectroscope in the details?
Thank YOU for watching! Great idea to post a link to the spectroscope - I'll do that right now! :)
@Gigi Marco waut du hek
I actually quite like the synthetic rubies, just love the brilliance. They should sell them as is rather than pretend they're natural.
AMEN! Thanks for watching!
I like the color
I love JTV
Can I wear ruby and cats eye together??
I'd love to read that book where the sheet comes from... Foundations of Gemology. ♡
It's my course textbook from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. It was a super hard degree, but worth it!
Were can sale are the natuaral red diamon are you buyeng
Great video
Thank you for watching!
I have a tiger claw made with 24kt gold and a ruby set in it , found out it's from the Victorian era 1880-1900 .
Wow!!!
What do you think about Mozambique ruby ??? Can an XRF machine check rubies ???
I love Mozambique Rubies! And they often have the same intense color, "glow", and other qualities as the Burmese, but because they are from a lesser-known source, they can sometimes be 25% cheaper than a Burmese stone with the same size, color, clarity, etc.
My new Ruby is similar in color and size🥰
dear i need your concultation about ruby and how to test a stone at home without a fancy tools cuz i dont have them? i will be glad if you answer me or if i can send the detail by email if u have one....thanks for your great video
I have a stone about 18 carat and it real how much it cost? And are you buying it?
I am unable to supply pricing information. I'm so sorry!
i notiched numerous very tiny black sopts in my ruby and a smoke kind of thing inside the stone , so is it real or fake?
It’s pretty easy to discern.
Does you ruby have that curved banded pattern?
If encountered a few good fakes where the company intentionally left carbon inclusions from their flame-fusion process to make it a little more convincing.
Sounds natural to me (not a question of real or fake, since both natural and synthetic stones are considered "actual" gems). But I would take it in to a jeweler or appraiser to make sure!
Hello I suppose a specific gravity test would also be good. I'm deployed and was told I was looking at a yellow diamond. The specific gravity test came up at 3.875. I'm thinking it is topazolite based on that. Thanks for you video. I'm watching more of your vids.
Rock Stomper >>Thanks for further info, the motto in gemstones - especially those bought in Asia and India is Buyer Beware! Some cultures are perfectly comfortable with 🤥 lying; no compunction whatsoever. Sad it has to be that way...
@@boomer1954ful Hello Gigi!! Well I just see markets always looking to maintain high margins. I have been bite by the gem bug pretty good. I'm stationed overseas and am learning and enjoying my experience with the gem markets out here. I hope you put out some new vids soon. Love watching your vids!! You look great!!!!!
Nothing to do with culture. Just look at certain American politicans.
Specific gravity tests are super useful! Although in this case, since Synthetic Ruby and natural Ruby share all the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, the SG would be the same for both natural and synthetic Rubies! Thanks for watching - keep collecting and learning!
Hats off Gigi again
Thank you!
Cool!
So does it glow bright pink under direct UV light?
Yup (actually, it's more of a red).
fascinating.
where are you located?
Where can I get the illuminated loupe?
I purchased mine from Amazon!
Wait, so if a near perfect quality ruby can be made syntheticly, why do people pay so much for it just because it came out of the ground?
Its all a big money making con.
@anguaa More fool them.
@anguaa actually for a lot of gems, it's not the rarity, but also the cut that factors into price
@@buntyjoy1800 agree! For example, many says diamond is expensive because of it's rarity while it's not rare at all! It's made scarced artificially!
Synthetic Ruby and Natural Ruby are the same in chemical, hardness , density and red color but the red color on the natural ruby is with high contrast that's why the red color on the natural ruby is brighter and more beautiful than synthetic ruby.The people from ruby land,Mogoke,Myanmar(Burma) can know a natural ruby or synthetic ruby without any instrument or microscope or lens but only by their eyes from about 2 meters far away.
Wonderful have nice day.
I get my mogok for free
Hello i am new newbie gemologist..can i have your help ?. Where can i buy a book with this index 5:14 ( minutes ) you hold some page with reference about gemstone absorbption .
Mine is part of a master's degree I did. However, there's a great book I recommend: www.amazon.com/Spectroscope-Gemmology-Basil-Anderson/dp/0943763525/ref=asc_df_0943763525/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312065538926&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5798318040628942432&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031315&hvtargid=pla-457498957563&psc=1
Is there any chance of a genuine ruby to have something that looks like bubble inside?
Well, yes and no. Gas bubbles inside a stone are a sure sign that it is manmade (with the exception of natural glass like Moldavite and Obsidian). However, some liquid inclusions or colorless crystals, which are both natural inclusions only found inside of natural stones, can sometimes LOOK like gas bubbles, if that makes sense.
@@themanicuredminer7712 gia have reported in their ruby specific books, gas bubbles in natural rubies.
happy New Year. know you know. the price of the Burmese pigeon blood Rubis. by carat
How to reach you maam for confidential matter
Hi Gigi I need your opinion on some stones and diamonds
You can email me at gemswithgigi@gmail.com
Tbh I worked for a gem cutter for years. If a gem gets cut wrong (trust me it happens and it's always shitty) it gets tossed and sold for basically nothing. Idk why it's not just cut into a smaller gem but it doesn't. They write up a report with them and everything that they are questionable quality
The stones finish behind her in looks.
Ok, lab grown is still seeded from real ruby right? And synthetic means it's made out of "other" materials?
Hey Kathleen! Thanks for your question. "lab-grown", "lab-created", and "synthetic" are all interchangeable and mean the same thing. Some rubies (and other colored gems...diamonds are different) can be created from natural ruby seeds, but most are created using just powdered ingredients. We do not differentiate with the words above, but a gemologist can tell which method was used by looking at the gemstone under a microscope or with other gemological testing tools. I hope this makes sense!
Thank you for that reply, makes sense
Hello hello help me please I have many questions
Bought some rubies on an online estate sale. Hopefully theyre real but havent seen them in person yet
I have a ruby can u tell it's fake or real...I can send u video
Whoa that’s big
Would you be able to identify a really good- lab grown ruby?
The only thing that says it is a natural ruby is the documentation, which could also be fake just like that lab report. I would say people who pay a lot for a piece of paper are idiots.
Yup. The telltale inclusions created by the synthesis process don't lie!
Nice
My brother found a stone its color red its a "RUBY" or fake
Just learning gemology, I have a few questions/observations. I have "heard", possibly incorect information that the typical value of Lab Created vs natural is about 40% less. If your friend bought this as natural, she was obviously lied to, however, if this was proven, as you did, that it is an actual ruby, even though lab created, is it not worth much more than she paid?
Lastly, could you have also used a thermoelectric probe/gem tester to quickly see if it was stone vs glass and then a Chelsea Filter to verify if it is ruby? Asking because in watching other videos I see different people test with different tools.
Thank you! I am interested to watch your show.
She admitted it is a Ruby. So the value is huge!
Great questions! First, the value of a lab-created stone varies widely depending on the type of gemstone and the synthesis process used, so your 40% estimate is not necessarily correct. This stone was made via the flame-fusion method, which is cheap and fast to create, so it is probably worth a few bucks a carat (though my friend ended up selling it for $300!). The price for synthetic diamonds, for example, keeps going down as they become easier to make and there’s a larger market for them, but generally, they cost about 80% of what a natural diamond costs…
Also, with regard to equipment, a thermoelectric probe only works on gems that conduct heat or electricity. Ruby and Glass would both have the same reaction, so you can’t use this tool to differentiate. A Chelsea filter is generally used for green stones like Jadeite (the presence of dye can make the stone appear red through the filter). There are a few other uses (it was originally created to differentiate between natural and synthetic Emeralds, but the synthetic technology has improved since then), but red stones do not give a reaction under this color filter.
gigi you are so knowledgeable and a very lovely lady
loved watching you and miss dawn in your by the book segment as well
we have been a loyal customers to jtv for 17 years...
we learn something new every time we watch
thank you for your wisdom
mrs long
Awww, thanks for watching, Mrs. Long!
Ruby whisperer!
LOL I love this. I'm going to put it on my business cards! Thanks for watching!
I would happily buy this one for $2
Me too! She ended up selling it for $300!
Yours was cut in India they have a different type of jam peg.
Wah...you have the most gorgeous eyes in the World! You are also a jovious gemologist
The stone passed most of the test for ruby and it’s still not a ruby in your point of view ?
It is an actual Ruby, but it is a synthetic one (that means it was created in a lab rather than mined from the earth).
So how do I tell if my ruby set in 2 tones of gold. I've worn for 20 + years is real?
It glows bright under blue UV light. (I am allergic to anything not gold silver or stainless steal.)
It wasn't $2.00.
I recommend taking it to a local appraiser (and jewelry store can point you to one, or you can consult the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, of which I am a proud member). They can easily tell you if its natural or synthetic (my guess is natural).
@@themanicuredminer7712 would a picture help?