With fewer than five weeks to go to the opening of the 2014 CIBJO Congress in Moscow on May 19, 2014, the fourth of the CIBJO commissions’ Special Reports has been released. Prepared by the CIBJO Coloured Stone Commission, headed by Nilam Alawdeen, the report focusses on the proper disclosure of gemstone treatments and modifications, and in particular about how lead glass-filled rubies should be properly qualified<\/p>\n
In his report, Mr. Alawdeen explains that, in the case of heavily glass-filled rubies, CIBJO requires that they be classified as \u201cRuby and Glass, and described as a \u201cmanufactured\/composite material or product.\u201d In addition, in order to properly protect consumers, the inherent instability of heavily glass filled rubies and other varieties of corundum should also be conveyed as part of the disclosure requirement.<\/p>\n
Relating to the global method of coloured gemstone disclosure that CIBJO, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and the International Colored Stone Association (ICA) agreed upon in 2010, Mr. Alawdeen writes: \u201cThe international disclosure coding system has been in existence for four years already, but unfortunately it\u2019s still seldom used. Consequently, this is an opportune time to remind the industry of the need for disclosure and traceability, and that a practical system is available to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, adds Mr. Alawdeen, the disclosure codes are meant for the use of the trade and industry only. A more detailed explanation of the treatment or modification must be provided to the consumer.<\/p>\n