AboutDavid Fortier Expertise I can answer questions about gemstone physical attributes, uses in jewelry, cleaning concerns, and synthetics and treatments.
Experience I own a gemstone wholesale and retail company that operates from South Korea. I specialize in ruby, blue sapphire, tsavorite, spessartite, and tourmaline. I also sometimes have top-grade lapis lazuli and specialty rare stones like top-color Mali garnet from West Africa. I travel Asia seeking the best values in gemstones for my customers who are other wholesalers, individual collectors, and retailers in North America, Europe, South Africa, and Asia.
Organizations Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association
Education/Credentials I have earned a Graduate Gemologist Diploma with the Gemological Institute of America. I have studied rocks, minerals, and gemstones for most of my life- beginning in elementary school. I have worked in jewelry retail and wholesale for over fifteen years.
Expert: David Fortier Date: 5/7/2008 Subject: ruby ring
Question I have a beautiful authentic dark red ruby ring that my husband bought me in 1973. I have worn it every day and by now, the ruby has lost its luster. I have been told by a jeweller that rubies cannot be polished. Is this true? Is there anything else that can be done to bring back its shine? I appreciate any help you can provide.
Answer Hello Irene!
That is a curious answer that your jeweler gave you. When rubies are taken from the ground are they polished? Of course they aren't! So how do they become polished? Someone polishes them! So, why couldn't they be polished again? They can.
You would likely be most successful by looking up your local lapidary group and find someone who facets as a hobby or semi-professional. A professional lapidary can do the work, of course, but someone who does this for a living may be quite expensive.
If you don't have any luck finding a local lapidary, you might consider replacing the stone. It would still be the same ruby ring that your husband gave you- with all of the sentimental value.
I wish you the best of luck on this project, and please ask a follow-up if you have any additional questions or need clarification!
