The problem to be solved was that some ruby rough (particularly Madagascar) was seriously fractured or not very transparent. Heating to a high temperature and slowly cooling often solved the transparency problem but fractures were more serious, eventually someone worked out that hearing with ruby coloured lead glass would fill the fractures and give the stone a much greater transparency and clarity. Both treatments are acceptable PROVIDED they are disclosed and the price reflects the fact that they have been treated. Personally I would buy a ruby that had been heat treated, but not one that had been glass filled. I just don't know how the filling will react to wear over the likely life of a piece of jewellery.
Hi Barbra, very interesting and informative article, thank you. Confirms my prejudice against glass filled stones, no matter how nice they look or how cheap they are!
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