I recently saw the most spectacular Gold Sheen Sapphire that has been discovered so far. This gem has a pure gold luster under all light conditions – quite rare for Gold Sheen, which usually varies from gold to copper to bronze as light play across it. It also has a, so far, unique yellow sapphire ‘window’ through the stone.
The latest issue of TNJ Colors magazine features an article on Gold Sheen Sapphire.
More information on Gold Sheen Sapphire available on my website – sjwgems.com
We have just started cutting the first of the ruby rough from Madagascar. This is 100% natural ruby with no treatment from a very, very old deposit. Cutters at the factory are complaining about how hard it is, and this is from people used to cutting ruby and sapphire. We are using about 50% more diamond abrasive as well. I am not sure what that means on the Mohs scale, but it certainly seems harder than normal corundum.
We are seeing to consistent colours so far – a lovely rose colour and a deep, rich plum, both with excellent saturation. The colour and saturation is consistent and make for very good matching in jewelry sets.
All of the rough we have cut has produced cabochons. The stone sliced so far is too opaque for faceting.
