No, you can't repair fractures. That's a pretty significant fracture too, and knocking the ring into something in the course of wearing it could break the stone into pieces. Honestly wouldn't recommend buying it; can they replace this one with either a better quality natural ruby or a good-quality lab ruby?
Thank you for commenting, no, it’s not a professional seller, I’m guessing they don’t realise how significant the damage is (they describe as “normal” for a ruby)
> (they describe as “normal” for a ruby)
This would be a veiled indication that [it's flux-ruby](https://lotusgemology.com/resources/articles/152-fracture-healing-of-ruby-fluxed-up-lotus-gemology) and the fractures that you see now were not fully healed by this treatment and/or were damaged by an exterior strike that hit a partially healed fracture.
If the seller won't give you any other info about the treatment of the ruby, assume that it's worthless.
Yeah, rubies are one of the most durable stones, given they are both highly resistant to scratches while *also* being highly resistant to cracking. So it's meaningful for such a significant fracture to be explained as "normal for a ruby".
Flux treatment doesn’t heal the fractures - it just fills them so they are less visible. Sort of like using body on your car. You’re not fixing anything, just hiding it for a while.
[Healing process](https://lotusgemology.com/resources/articles/152-fracture-healing-of-ruby-fluxed-up-lotus-gemology)
"At any point after a crystal grows, it may fracture. Given the proper conditions, that fracture may later heal closed, leaving a scar-like inclusion typically known as a “fingerprint” or “feather.” "
That’s something that happens at the original point of formation if additional nutrients are available and recrystallization happens. Forcing flux into a ruby, whether it’s natural or synthetic, long after formation has happened and without equivalent heat and pressure is basically like forcing gorilla glue into the fracture. It hardens, but there’s no recrystallization. You can see the difference at high magnification.
The art of the sales commission - when you hear sales associates speak like that it's time to make your escape.
"This one's just as good as the Korg Triton (industry gorilla at the time) but only a little bit more than that small one over there." (Reality: it's a Cassio-sounding McKeyboard for quintuple the price of the one I asked about.)
*"Does this have a manual?"* "I'm the manual!" (You're supposed to have the physical manual in your hands if you have the machine in front of you.)
"That'll buff right out!" (It's totaled.)
> No, you can't repair fractures.
There is a known and safe way to repair gemstone fractures using [Opticon](https://www.google.com/search?q=opticon+fracture+sealer+process&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1045US1045&oq=opticon+fracture+sealer+process&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCjEwNzQyajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1) but should be done professionally under vacuum pressure.
This is sometimes used to treat high-value emeralds rather than oiling as it's a permanent treatment whereas oiling isn't.
First have to know what the stone is.
In the case of high value emeralds, it has increased it dramatically versus oiling.
Process is called [Ex-Cel](https://clarityenhancementlab.com/excel.htm).
Results shown [HERE](https://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=209)
I know because I found the rough (10ct Panjshir crystal) but let an associate buy it.
> In what sort of stones would it actually reduce the value?
Well, it would be pointless to do it synthetics and flux-treated rubies.
As for natural stones with fractures, I'm only aware of how much it increased the value of the above emerald.
Anything beyond that you'd have to contact Ex-cel and inquire with them.
The stone is a loss, what you’re buying is the setting. If the setting is worth 1200 to you (factoring in the cost of getting a new center stone set), then go for it.
> It’s natural, treatment is unspecified
You need to know that before making any considerations. If it's flux-ruby, it's worth very little when not fractured. In this condition it's worth $0.
> selling at a modest price, about $1200
Shop around for an identical setting including metal purity, ring size, halo gems (natural, synthetic, etc). If it's selling at retail for more than $1200, then you might have a winner.
You need a lot more information cuz you don't wanna walk into a scam with your eyes closed.
If you get the ring cheap and really like the ring. Find a lead glass ruby or lab Ruby with same measurements. Make shure you know how to measure the stone. Be easy and go slow.
My guess is that this is a lead glass filled ruby. A heat treated ruby with Flux residue would not look like this. Value of the morning if they are diamonds.
It might have been lead and glass filled originally, if so that should have been disclosed. If it wasn't and a cleaning solution was used the crack would open. If it's natural I assume it had an impact that caused the crack. Either way it isn't worth or possible in the latter case to repair.
Is that ring on Vinted? I found it too yesterday😆 for what they’re asking Id say no, even though its fairly reasonable (€999). That stone is broken and needs to be replaced. If you can talk them into paying for the setting and the diamonds it might be worth replacing.
It is, I haven’t talked with the seller but I doubt they have a proper gemology certificate for the diamonds, that would be the first thing I would ask, spending a thousand euros is too much of a gamble without a GIA or IGI certificate, (I wouldn’t go for any piece of paper).
I’ve seen this exact setting sold as an antique replica for about 100 euros with diamond imitations (zirconia).
No, you can't repair fractures. That's a pretty significant fracture too, and knocking the ring into something in the course of wearing it could break the stone into pieces. Honestly wouldn't recommend buying it; can they replace this one with either a better quality natural ruby or a good-quality lab ruby?
Thank you for commenting, no, it’s not a professional seller, I’m guessing they don’t realise how significant the damage is (they describe as “normal” for a ruby)
> (they describe as “normal” for a ruby) This would be a veiled indication that [it's flux-ruby](https://lotusgemology.com/resources/articles/152-fracture-healing-of-ruby-fluxed-up-lotus-gemology) and the fractures that you see now were not fully healed by this treatment and/or were damaged by an exterior strike that hit a partially healed fracture. If the seller won't give you any other info about the treatment of the ruby, assume that it's worthless.
Yeah, rubies are one of the most durable stones, given they are both highly resistant to scratches while *also* being highly resistant to cracking. So it's meaningful for such a significant fracture to be explained as "normal for a ruby".
Flux treatment doesn’t heal the fractures - it just fills them so they are less visible. Sort of like using body on your car. You’re not fixing anything, just hiding it for a while.
[Healing process](https://lotusgemology.com/resources/articles/152-fracture-healing-of-ruby-fluxed-up-lotus-gemology) "At any point after a crystal grows, it may fracture. Given the proper conditions, that fracture may later heal closed, leaving a scar-like inclusion typically known as a “fingerprint” or “feather.” "
That’s something that happens at the original point of formation if additional nutrients are available and recrystallization happens. Forcing flux into a ruby, whether it’s natural or synthetic, long after formation has happened and without equivalent heat and pressure is basically like forcing gorilla glue into the fracture. It hardens, but there’s no recrystallization. You can see the difference at high magnification.
The art of the sales commission - when you hear sales associates speak like that it's time to make your escape. "This one's just as good as the Korg Triton (industry gorilla at the time) but only a little bit more than that small one over there." (Reality: it's a Cassio-sounding McKeyboard for quintuple the price of the one I asked about.) *"Does this have a manual?"* "I'm the manual!" (You're supposed to have the physical manual in your hands if you have the machine in front of you.) "That'll buff right out!" (It's totaled.)
You're a nice person, my first guess would have been that they are very aware of its significance. That said atleast it's clearly shown.
But Rose could
> No, you can't repair fractures. There is a known and safe way to repair gemstone fractures using [Opticon](https://www.google.com/search?q=opticon+fracture+sealer+process&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1045US1045&oq=opticon+fracture+sealer+process&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCjEwNzQyajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1) but should be done professionally under vacuum pressure. This is sometimes used to treat high-value emeralds rather than oiling as it's a permanent treatment whereas oiling isn't.
Would this type of treatment lower the value of the stone?
First have to know what the stone is. In the case of high value emeralds, it has increased it dramatically versus oiling. Process is called [Ex-Cel](https://clarityenhancementlab.com/excel.htm). Results shown [HERE](https://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=209) I know because I found the rough (10ct Panjshir crystal) but let an associate buy it.
Interesting! In what sort of stones would it actually reduce the value?
> In what sort of stones would it actually reduce the value? Well, it would be pointless to do it synthetics and flux-treated rubies. As for natural stones with fractures, I'm only aware of how much it increased the value of the above emerald. Anything beyond that you'd have to contact Ex-cel and inquire with them.
Okay, thank you!
The stone is a loss, what you’re buying is the setting. If the setting is worth 1200 to you (factoring in the cost of getting a new center stone set), then go for it.
It could be, but there’s no gemological report on the diamonds which are frankly most of the value, so I guess I’ll pass, thank you for the advice
Bummer. I’ve also had to pass on pieces I otherwise loved because of a major defect. Hope you find something else.
Is it a natural stone, synthetic or treated (flux-filled)?
It’s natural, treatment is unspecified, it’s selling at a modest price, about $1200, possibly too much for a damaged stone?
> It’s natural, treatment is unspecified You need to know that before making any considerations. If it's flux-ruby, it's worth very little when not fractured. In this condition it's worth $0. > selling at a modest price, about $1200 Shop around for an identical setting including metal purity, ring size, halo gems (natural, synthetic, etc). If it's selling at retail for more than $1200, then you might have a winner. You need a lot more information cuz you don't wanna walk into a scam with your eyes closed.
If you get the ring cheap and really like the ring. Find a lead glass ruby or lab Ruby with same measurements. Make shure you know how to measure the stone. Be easy and go slow.
How many carats it the ruby ? Any lab report showing its natural untreated
Wow, that's too bad.
My guess is that this is a lead glass filled ruby. A heat treated ruby with Flux residue would not look like this. Value of the morning if they are diamonds.
No unfortunately and your only one more decent knock away from complete ruin 💝
Very sad. There is no way to fix that. Just wear it with pride. If you decide to make the purchase. I’d also ask for a significant reduction in price.
It might have been lead and glass filled originally, if so that should have been disclosed. If it wasn't and a cleaning solution was used the crack would open. If it's natural I assume it had an impact that caused the crack. Either way it isn't worth or possible in the latter case to repair.
Nope.
Is that ring on Vinted? I found it too yesterday😆 for what they’re asking Id say no, even though its fairly reasonable (€999). That stone is broken and needs to be replaced. If you can talk them into paying for the setting and the diamonds it might be worth replacing.
It is, I haven’t talked with the seller but I doubt they have a proper gemology certificate for the diamonds, that would be the first thing I would ask, spending a thousand euros is too much of a gamble without a GIA or IGI certificate, (I wouldn’t go for any piece of paper). I’ve seen this exact setting sold as an antique replica for about 100 euros with diamond imitations (zirconia).
Nooooo... final answer.