1 July 2010
The history of the Black Prince's Ruby, one of the world's most famous precious stones.
History
1 January 2012
The Book of Ruby and Sapphire J.F. Halford-Watkins | 2012 Prior to the 1930s, ruby and sapphire were mysteries, arcane gems oft-confused with spinel and other look-alikes. Enter Col. J.F. Halford-Watkins. Living in Mogok for more than two decades, he penned several articles and an entire monograph on the subject of these rare gems. Sadly he passed away before it could be published. In 1994, Richard Hughes came across a reference to the manuscript. Patrick Streeter, grandson of G. Skelton Streeter, and great grandson of the famed London jeweler, Edwin Streeter, had mentioned the Halford-Watkins manuscript while writing his book, Streeter of Bond Street. Following up on that obscure reference Richard Hughes stumbled upon something truly fantastic, an undiscovered treasure of the gemological literature. Over ten years in the making, The Book of Ruby and Sapphire is the realization of Halford-Watkins’ vision. Professionally edited and illustrated, it represents a gemological tour de force. Still in Print. To order this book click this link
1 October 1998
The Opticon treatment of fissure-filling treatment emeralds with Opticon became an issue of huge controversy in the late 1990's. This article takes a close look at it and asks if Opticon is actually that different from fillers like cedarwood oil.
1 June 2010
An exploration of the history and lore of the Emerald Buddha, a green statue that resides in Bangkok, Thailand’s Wat Phra Kaeo and watches over Thailand.
1 December 1999
A history of spinel, including balas ruby and lodestone.
1 July 1995
A brief history of the heat treatment of ruby & sapphire, from ancient times to the modern era.
1 April 2007
The use of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in gem identification, with examples of sapphire & jadeite.
21 March 2012
In a tragic underground cave in, Mike Roberts of the Roberts Yogo Sapphire Mine passed away in March 2012.
15 June 2013
A discussion of the definition of padparadscha sapphire, from early to modern times, along with the difficulty in standardizing such definitions.
1 January 1997
The chapter on ruby and sapphire from Burma (Myanmar) from Richard Hughes' 1997 book, Ruby & Sapphire.
1 July 1997
Full reviews of the 1997 gemological classic, Ruby & Sapphire, by Richard W. Hughes.
1 January 1997
Inclusions are among the most important features for identifying ruby and sapphire. This is the chapter on ruby and sapphire inclusions from Richard Hughes' 1997 book, Ruby & Sapphire.
1 January 1997
This is the chapter on ruby and sapphire from India (including Kashmir sapphire) from Richard Hughes' 1997 book, Ruby & Sapphire.
1 January 2014
Ruby & Sapphire • A Collector's Guide Richard W. Hughes | 2014 Few gems capture the imagination like ruby and sapphire. This book removes the cloak of an otherwise secret world. Drawing on a lifetime’s experience, the author ventures around the globe for the finest specimens, in the process allowing readers to discover the people and places where these rare gems are found, along with the story of the stones themselves. Throughout the text, Hughes guides readers with the steady connoisseur's eye, explaining what collectors should look for. For many pieces, actual auction prices are given, aiding collectors in their buying decisions. Illustrated with more than 300 color photographs, this is a visual and intellectual feast of the most delicious order. Ruby & Sapphire • A Collector's Guide order page
3 January 2017
Ruby & Sapphire • A Gemologist's Guide Richard W. Hughes, with Wimon Manorotkul & E. Billie Hughes | 2017 Designed as a companion to Ruby & Sapphire: A Collector's Guide, this massive volume is aimed specifically at working gemologists, appraisers and students. Based on Richard W. Hughes' 1997 classic, Ruby & Sapphire, this edition is fully updated. The product of nearly 40 years of firsthand experience and research, it covers every aspect of the subject from A–Z. History, sources, prices, quality analysis, synthetics and treatments, everything is here. With over 1000 photos, maps and illustrations and 3500 references, Ruby & Sapphire—A Gemologist’s Guide represents the most comprehensive book ever written on a single precious stone. Ruby & Sapphire • A Gemologist's Guide order page
1 July 2002
An examination of the problem of separating pink sapphire and padparadscha from ruby.
1 May 2000
Digital Devil #10. It was Tucson. Show over. The last supper. One of those marvelous evenings which Tucson regularly delivers…