U.s. Troops Target Of New Gemstone Scam

U.S. troops are apparently the target of a new gemstone scam.

The scam, involving composite rubies, was first publicized by Antoinette Matlins, a well known and highly respected author and gem expert. Subsequently, commercial jewelers have confirmed her warnings, saying that an alarming amount of composite rubies are being seen from customers wanting to either sell or set the stones. According the JCK, a trade publication, some jewelers are no longer buying rubies from the general public.

Composite rubies are stones that are made up of very low quality red corundum and infused with lead glass.

These lead-glass composites are pretty. But theyre extremely fragile. An accidental blow or knock can break them and Matlins reports that even lemon juice can damage them. In addition, unless a jeweler knows theyre composites, they will crumble during an ordinary setting process.

As with other manufactured gemstones, the issue is disclosure. Composite rubies should cost no more than approximately $25 a carat. Good quality rubies cost far more. In addition, as is obvious from the above, composite rubies require special handling.

The problem with the troops is apparently originating from vendors claiming the stones are inexpensive because theyre close to the mines. JCK reports that a St. Louis jeweler had the unenviable task of telling a colonel in the Armed Forces that the eight rubies he bought and paid $5000 for from an Army and Air Force Exchange Service approved vendor were worth less than 80 percent of what he paid.

If you or a loved one or friend is serving in Afghanistan and if he or she is considering buying a gem because its cheap or near a mine, caution them about this scam, the dimensions of which arent even clear yet.

As with any gemstone purchase, there are a number of commonsense steps to take:

Buy only from a reputable dealer. (Obviously, as in the case of the officer discussed above, this isnt enough.)

Ask if the stone has been treated. Most rubies are heat treated and this is standard trade practice. If the vendor says the stone has been heat treated, ask if other treatments have been use.

Insist the dealer specify what he is selling on your sales receipt.

In the case of composite rubies, the best protection might be to learn how to identify them yourself. Buy and familiarize yourself with a 10x jewelers loop. These are very inexpensive, usually under $10, and 10x magnification is used by the trade for gem identification. Lead-glass rubies show gas bubbles and blue flashes under magnification. These are very easy to see under magnification.

Matlins reports that members of the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) are willing to provide free identification for consumers who suspect they may have been sold a composite ruby. There are some limitations, of course. The free service is for identification only, not for an appraisal or valuation. Contact: www.accreditedgemologists.org to find an AGA member in your area.

All gemstone scams are bad, but when they involve our troops, it just unconscionable.

by: Fleury Sommers

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