[Jewelry making - Article 00037] - Re: [Orchid] Are they Rubies?

[The Doctor]

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Hi Rebecca,

>         This is a wonderful resource, but do you all realize how scary
>     you make it for a beginner to ask a question?  I hope no one has
>     gotten hurt feelings because of me.  Back into hiding I go..... 

    Please don't hide, Rebecca. Believe me, I had similar reactions the
    first several times I posted to this group. That's right, I said
    several. Often, the printed word lacks the tone and inflection that
    the spoken word conveys. That leads to misunderstandings and
    sometimes, controversy. Nobody here will actually bite, although
    I've been snapped at a few times. I agree that this forum can be a
    little frightening, what with so many opinions from so many
    knowledgeable people, but don't let anyone scare you away from
    posting. One of the things I've learned from this group is that
    there are many problems out there that have many, many solutions,
    and this group is dedicated to helping anyone who wishes to find a
    solution. 

    As for this thread, of course most of you who are not gemologists
    can't have professional IDs done on each and every bead, briolette,
    gemstone, etc., that simply isn't practical, much less affordable.
    The good news is that you can learn enough ID skills on your own to
    identify most common gemstones. Also, stick to reputable dealers
    whose reputation depends on their honesty. A dealer who has been
    around for some time has been around because of their reputation.
    When an incorrectly identified stone passes their spot check, most
    will make it right for you. 

    I'm talking about the typical gem materials that a lot are writing
    about here now; beads, birthstones, etc. Amethyst came into question
    recently, also. Once laboratories figured out how to twin quartz, it
    became nearly impossible to separate natural Amethyst from synthetic
    without multi-million-dollar testing equipment, and it is currently
    estimated that 50% of the world's supply of finished Amethyst is
    synthetic. Does it matter? Not to me. Should you disclose that fact
    to a customer? Nobody does, either due to ignorance, or because the
    trade accepts it. Should you send all your Amethyst to a gem lab to
    have it identified? Certainly not, testing one stone would cost more
    than the entire parcel. Is Rio's Amethyst all natural? Doubtful, but
    possible. They won't know for certain, and neither would a store
    gemologist, so why worry? 

    Fine to Extra Fine rare stones should always be purchased from a
    reputable dealer. However, if you buy from strangers, even at shows,
    you had better do your gem ID homework or pay a good gemologist for
    an ID and appraisal. After all, you wouldn't have your accountant
    diagnose your ailment, would you? 

    James in SoFl who only wanted Rebecca to find out somehow if her
    beads are Ruby or not. 

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