{"id":6119,"date":"2024-02-12T14:16:35","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T12:16:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/efirgems.com\/rubin-part-ii-imitations-and-how-to-distinguish-them-advanced-article\/"},"modified":"2025-03-25T11:36:04","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T11:36:04","slug":"rubin-part-ii-imitations-and-how-to-distinguish-them-advanced-article","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/efirgems.com\/en\/rubin-part-ii-imitations-and-how-to-distinguish-them-advanced-article\/","title":{"rendered":"Ruby – Part II. Imitations and how to distinguish them (advanced article)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Ruby Imitations and How to Distinguish Them<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The ability to distinguish a real ruby from other gemstones requires gemological knowledge and experience, and in most cases expensive equipment. However, in this article we will look at some of the methods and tests that can be done if desired by anyone at home.<\/p>\n

Note: If you want to learn about the basic characteristics of rubies or are just starting to research about how to choose ruby jewelry we recommend you start first with Part I of this article:\"Ruby: What You Need to Know When Choosing Ruby Jewelry\"<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Sealed rear<\/h5>\n

If the ruby is set on a jewel note whether the pavilion (back of the stone) is visible or completely hidden in the metal. Usually the pavilion of a faceted ruby is at least partially visible when mounted on a piece of jewelry. For this reason, if you can only see the top or crown of the stone there may be something wrong.<\/p>\n

A visible pavilion is by no means an indication that the stone is a natural ruby. Often glass imitations are mounted with a visible pavilion. However, a completely hidden pavilion may be a suggestion of some irregularity. The stone may have a foiled back or a metallic coating may have been added to enhance the color and luster. Another possibility is that the stone was glued together from two separate pieces.<\/p>\n

It is possible that the design of the jewel was simply designed this way, so do not rely entirely on this test. Also, very small stones are often mounted by mirror mounting (pressing into the metal to set) and thus the pavilion remains hidden.<\/p>\n

For example, in these custom made wedding rings by Efir, hidden gemstones are mounted on the inside according to the client's wishes - two rubies on the male ring and two diamonds on the female ring.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Price<\/h5>\n

Consider whether the ruby or ruby jewel has an unusually temptingly low price or is sold with a high discount. This can serve as an additional indication to you that something is wrong. Rubies are one of the most expensive colored gemstones, and usually the price of a nice specimen is high.<\/p>\n

Inclusions and clarity<\/h5>\n

If the ruby under 10x magnification (gemological loupe) does not have any inclusions and looks perfect then the likelihood that the stone is an imitation or synthetic ruby is high, especially if it is a large specimen with a rich color. Usually, even high quality rubies have inclusions, some of which are only characteristic of natural stones. However, some of the smaller stones under half a carat may appear without inclusions under 10x magnification.<\/p\n\n\n

Polaroid Test (Double Refraction)<\/h5>\n

This test is performed with an instrument called a Polaroid scope. This is a relatively simple instrument which is itself two polaroid filters mounted in metal above a light source. A stone is placed between them and examined for characteristic signs.<\/p\n\n\n

Because of the crystalline structure of the corundum, the light entering it is split into two beams. The two beams travel at different speeds and are perpendicular to each other. This optical phenomenon is called double refraction or dichroism.<\/p>\n

Doubly refracting gemstones such as ruby, emerald and sapphire will have alternating lightened and darkened areas as they are rotated between the two polaroids.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, glass and minerals such as garnet and spinel, which are often confused with rubies, are single refractive. This means that light passes through them at the same speed and in all directions. When they are rotated between two polaroids, they remain dark on all sides.<\/p\n\n\n

However, it is possible that in some cases singly refractive stones show anomalies, meaning that they may change from dark to light as they rotate. Unlike double-refractive stones, however, these anomalies are less distinctive and less clearly noticeable.<\/p\n\n\n<\/p\n\n\n

How to make a polaroid test with handy materials to identify rubies<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you have a pair of old sunglasses with polaroid lenses you can do the above test yourself at home. Besides the glasses you will also need a wide wine or cognac glass. Take one of the sunglasses' lenses out. Old Polaroid camera filters can also be used instead of sunglasses. The test is carried out as follows:<\/p>\n

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  • Place the removed lens at the bottom of the glass cup.\n
  • Place the stone on the lens that has been placed on the bottom of the glass cup. It is best to place the stone on its pavilion (bottom part). If it is mounted in a jewel, hold it at an angle above the glass.<\/li>\n
  • Place the sunglasses with the other (unbroken) lens on top of the glass cup.<\/li>\n
  • Take a table lamp and point it down so that the light reflects up through the bottom of the glass and the polaroid lenses.<\/li>\n
  • If you have a white plastic box you can place the glass on it. This will raise the glass and help the light to pass from the bottom and upwards.<\/li>\n
  • Turn and adjust the sunglasses lenses in such a way that when you look through the two lenses (placed parallel to each other) they appear black with no light passing through them. This is the so-called \"crossed Polaroid position\".<\/li>\n
  • Turn and move the stone using a spoon or anything else you have handy. If the stone does not change from light to dark while you are observing it between the two lenses, rotate it to another position and repeat the test. If the red stone remains dark in all positions then it means that it is not double refractive and therefore not a ruby.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    What we need to observe for the test to work<\/h5>\n

    For the above Polaroid test to work at home and with materials at hand, the following criteria must be met:<\/p>\n