Gemstone Gathering
The 4th Gemstone Gathering took place on July 26th, 2007
about " lead-glass fracture filled rubies "
By Mr. Alex J. Ross
Manager of Special Project of GIA Thailand
The 4th GIA Thailand Gemstone Gathering focused on lead-glass fracture filled rubies originating predominantly from various African sources ?
The presentation covered the history and progression of fracture filling treatments with a re-cap on the identification of this treatment. Special attention was paid to one often overlooked characteristic, cavity filling which can have a negative affect on the overall beauty of the gem if certain care and cleaning guidelines are not followed.
Most importantly the durability was assessed from a manufacturer and end consumers stand point with the most important durability concerns relating to the stability of the filling material and its reaction to certain chemicals or re-agents found at the jewelers bench and in common house hold cleaning chemicals.
Additionally, the disclosure of this treatment was addressed, debated and discussed and ideas were shared amongst participants after the event over drinks.
