IIGJ Lab Streamlines Ruby Treatment Descriptions in Line with Global Norms

The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Lab — an independent gemstone and jewellery testing initiative of the GJEPC — has revised the way ruby treatments are described, bringing its reporting format in sync with leading international gemmological laboratories. The update reinforces the lab’s commitment to scientific accuracy and complete transparency.

IIGJ’s Ruby Identification service is widely used by manufacturers, traders, and retailers. Rubies are often heat-treated with fluxes such as borax, which may be blended with silica-based materials or high-density glass containing elements like lead, bismuth, barium, yttrium, or zirconium. Previously, each of these components was listed individually on reports; the new approach consolidates and simplifies these details to offer a clearer, standardised treatment description.

GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali stated, “GJEPC remains dedicated to supporting India’s gem and jewellery sector with world-class grading, identification, and certification facilities. Jaipur, a major hub for coloured gemstones and an increasingly significant jewellery manufacturing centre, stands to benefit greatly from these enhanced reporting standards. The updated ruby treatment descriptions will serve as an effective sales tool, helping strengthen consumer trust. We continue to invest in talent development and lab infrastructure to meet the industry’s evolving requirements.”

Following are the updated description / treatment comments mentioned on the ruby reports issued by IIGJ Lab:

Treatment Type and Features	Description
– Indications of heating with residues and silica-based substance in fissures or – High-density glass (Pb, Ba, Bi, Y, Zr) in fissures where no flash effect is observed	Var: Natural Ruby Spe: Natural Corundum Comments: Indications of heating and clarity enhancement with residue in fractures and cavities. Extent: (TE1-TE5) / (F1-F3) – as applicable Remarks (if lead is detected): Lead glass was detected.
Presence of High-density glass in fissures / cavities with flash effect, numerous gas bubbles, indistinct single crystal	Var: Glass-Filled Ruby Spe: Natural Corundum Comments: Indications of clarity enhancement by lead/bismuth/barium glass in fractures and cavities. No quantification in this case
High density coloured glass in fissures with flash effect, numerous gas bubbles, colour concentrations	Var: Glass-Filled Ruby / Sapphire Spe: Natural Corundum Comments: Indications of clarity enhancement with coloured glass in fractures and cavities. No quantification in this case