In recent months, various trade organizations have raised the issue of a number of lead-glass-filled rubies being sold in US department stores and Caribbean shops. While it is not uncommon for some rubies to have fissures filled with glass, the rubies referred to by this alert have large amounts of lead glass fillings and may be being passed off as natural rubies, without instructions on how to properly care for these treated stones.

 

Jeweler’s organizations like the American Gem Trade Association, are highly concerned with situations like this, as it lowers consumer confidence in the jewelry industry, even for gemstones not affected. Therefore AGTA and other trade organizations have issued this alert to help make jewelers and customers alike aware of this situation as it develops. For more information about the alert, glass-filled rubies, or care instructions, read this article.