July Birthstone

 

Ruby is the birthstone of July.  

The name comes from the Latin word rubeus, which means red. Rubies have been celebrated in the bible and ancient Sanskrit writings as the most precious stone.  Rubies in Sanskrit were called ratnaraj, which means "King of the precious gems." According to Hindu lore, the vibrant glowing red color of ruby is caused by eternal flames burning within them that cannot be extinguished.  It was claimed that the owner of a ruby was guaranteed a peaceful and harmonious life, as well as brought luck and good fortune.  Rubies are also legendary symbols of everlasting love.  Rubies are very hard and resilient gems, second only to diamonds.

The most valuable rubies are sourced from Burma, but all high quality rubies have been depleted in this area.  The brightest and most valuable red color is called "pigeon blood".  Today many rubies are sourced from Madagascar but their color and brilliance does not come close to Burmese rubies and are worth much less.

A 32.08 carat ruby ring was sold for $6,742,440 at Lily Safra's jewelry auction in 2012.  The auctioned price was the highest ever price for a ruby sold at auction.

Rubies come from the family of corundum.  This is the same family as sapphire.  The intensity and brightness of the color is what differentiates pink sapphires from rubies.  Some dark pink or red sapphires are called rubies but they are not true rubies according to GIA (Gemological Institute of America) standards.  When you buy rubies you must be careful that it is not a sapphire which are less valuable.

Today a lot of rubies have many different treatments.  The only acceptable treatment for fine jewelry is heat treatment.  All other treatments are highly disapproved of and significantly reduce the value of the stone.  Such treatments, for instance include inserting glass pieces to fill up small gaps left after the cut.  There are also many synthetics on today's market.  Falsifications can only be identified by a professional.  This is another reason why it is crucial to buy rubies from an expert.

Pictured is a fine 3 carat Burmese certified pigeon blood ruby surrounded by diamonds and rubies in 18k gold.

By Viktoriya Gulko

Alex named one of the best Ukrainian Jewelers by the Fund Faberge

 

We recently discovered that Alex Gulko is named one of the best Ukrainian jewelers by the reputable and widely known Fund Faberge in St. Petersburg based on a collection he created years ago in Ukraine. Parts of the collection were included in international exhibitions held in Hungary and Yugoslavia and state exhibitions held in Ukraine. Some of the pieces were featured in catalogs and posters of these exhibitions.

Several pieces of this collection were purchased for display by the most famous museum in Ukraine, The National Ukrainian Museum of Historical Treasures. This museum holds the largest collection of artifacts made from precious metals and stones including work created by old Scythians tribes, historical Ukrainian goldsmiths, 17th-19th century Russian jewelers, and modern Ukrainian jewelers. The museum also puts on exhibitions all around the world. In the late 80’s the museum began displaying contemporary jewelry. The museum has a page on their website dedicated to the best jewelers they have featured. There are only six artists on this page, Alex being one of them.

Part of Alex’s collection was brought to the United States and is currently displayed in his store.

By Viktoriya Gulko

Fund Faberge list:
http://skurlov.blogspot.com/2011/12/2012.html
See: "ГУЛЬКО Александр Абрамович - родился в 1955 г. в Киев"

Museum page of contemporary jewelry: http://miku.org.ua/ru/yvelirnoe_iskusstvo/ukraina/ukrainskie_mastera-yveliri_70-90.html

More about the museum: http://www.wumag.kiev.ua/index2.php?param=pgs20062%2F20

 

June Birthstone

Alexandrite is the birthstone of June. 

Alexandrite is one of the most if not the most unique, rare and valuable stone, known as the color changing stone.  The color of the stone changes drastically depending on what lighting it is under.  The more drastic the color change the higher the quality.  In its finest qualities, alexandrite looks green in sunlight, and purplish red under incandescent lights.

The gem was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 on the 12th birthday of the Czar Alexander II.  Due to its representation of both Russian imperial colors- red and green- it became the national stone of tsarist Russia.  In Russia, alexandrite is considered to be of very good omen.  It brings balance in the interaction between the physical and spiritual world.  It opens the crown chakra, which gives access to the healing energy and love from the universe.  It is also said to strengthen intuition, creativity and encourage romance.

Prices for natural alexandrite start at $1,500 per carat and can go over $20,000 per carat depending on size and quality.  Alex is currently working on a ring for a client with a very fine quality alexandrite.  Alex was able to acquire the stone from a close source at a gem show resulting in thousands of dollars in savings for his client.  This stone holds the same color changing qualities of the finest alexandrite.

Today the finest alexandrite stones are sourced from Brazil.  There are alexandrite stones which come from Asia and Africa that are lesser quality and retail at a much lower price point.

Alexandrite is the most valuable and exotic variety of chrysoberyl.  Not all color changing chrysoberyl can be called an alexandrite.  When buying an alexandrite, you must be careful that it is not mistaken for a regular color changing chrysoberyl, which displays different color change.

Pictured is a very fine Russian Alexandrite.  To the right is a fine 2 carat Brazilian alexandrite ring with diamonds in platinum.

By Viktoriya Gulko