ruby treatments

Nearly all rubies used in jewelry have undergone some sort of treatment.  The type of treatment, and to what extent, will affect the value of the ruby.

Over 95% of rubies have been heated to improve their appearance.  Heating is commonly used to improve color and can also improve clarity by altering, or even eliminating, unattractive inclusions.

Scroll down for inclusion photos.

heat treated rubies

discoid fracture


Oval or circular tension halos surrounding an included crystal that expanded during heat treatment, causing a fracture in the ruby.

partially healed fingerprint

Partially healed fingerprint inclusion inside a natural, heat treated ruby
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

When exposed to high temperatures, the networks of tiny, liquid-filled tubes begin to resorb.

fracture-filled rubies

lead-glass filler

Fracture-filled rubies use a high content lead-glass that has a refractive index close to that of ruby
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

Heavily-included rubies are acid washed to remove mineral inclusions.  The large cavities that remain are then filled with a colored lead-glass, to improve its appearance and durability.

quench crackling

​Faceted rubies are rapidly heated and cooled, creating many tiny cracks that are then filled with a dyed filler.
Photo courtesy of Jewelry Insider

​Faceted rubies are rapidly heated and cooled, creating many tiny cracks that are then filled with a dyed filler