[Jewelry making - Article 00571] - Re: [Orchid] Dyed rubies discovered!

[Carrie Nunes]

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Hi Karan,

    I believe that you can test beads for dye by using a q-tip with some
    acetone (main ingredient in many nail polish removers) on it and
    rubbing it around the bead hole to see if any dye comes off. You may
    try to remove the excess dye from your ruby strand but they might not
    end up looking like much if you removed every bit of it. There is a
    reason they were dyed. Maybe you can get enough off to where they
    will no longer transfer dye to the wearer. You might try some alcohol
    as well but I think the acetone is more of a solvent. And of course
    give them a good rinse after applying these chemicals. 

    But I think this is a wake-up call for you. A wake-up call I have
    experienced myself. You are responsible for accurately representing
    the goods you sell to your customers. And this means being aware of
    treatments, synthetics and imitations. And relying on what a dealer
    tells you a product is, even if you think to ask and even if they are
    honest and think they are giving you correct information, may not be
    accurate. You may not be called to defend your representations except
    in a rare instance. But I can tell that you are concerned that your
    customers get what they pay for and what they believe they are
    purchasing. So I recommend that you start arming yourself with
    knowledge. You may not be ready or interested in pursuing a full
    gemological education. But at least get yourself a few basic books
    on gemstone identification that will also discuss treatments and
    read a couple chapters as you get the chance. Books by Antoinette
    Matlins are classic. But there are many others. Many available
    through Rio Grande, Amazon or at your local library. If you are
    interested in further study, distance courses from GIA (www.gia.edu)
    are really helpful. Another good resource is a forum of gemologists,
    gem collectors and appraisers called www.gemologyonline.com Nice
    folks,who sometimes post here as well, who are happy to answer all
    sorts of gem related questions. 

    There is nothing really wrong with gem treatments. They provide us
    with many affordable goods that would otherwise be unavailable. But
    it is all about disclosure. And the more you know about what
    treatments are being used out there and what to look for, you will
    be a better shopper and seller. And you won't have to solely rely on
    what a dealer is telling you. 

    Hope this is of some help. Keep making beautiful things! -Carrie
    Nunes, G.G. (GIA) 

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