Ruby Ring Repair: Fixing a Cracked Ruby - Expert Advice

Question
QUESTION: Hi Thomas

I have my grandmother's ring. It has a round ruby in the middle and two smaller ones on the outside, with four tiny diamonds between. When I took it off to clean I noticed a crack in the middle of the big ruby. I'm very upset about it. I wear it every day and never take it off, except to clean.
What can be done to repair it?
Thanks

ANSWER: Dear Tee,

Repair options depend on the nature of the crack in the ruby. If this is indeed a crack penetrating down into the gem, little may be done to correct that.  The crack may be hidden by a filler of some sort applied by a jeweler familiar with stone work. The stone cannot be put back together.   If this is a crack deep into the ruby, the crack may have been there for some years and hidden by a filler as I mentioned for repair.  However, I would think with regular cleaning you would have noticed any apparent damage.

The crack may not be a fracture deep into the gem but only a surface scratch or exposure of an interior flaw which is not attractive but at the same time is not a dangerous crack. In that case, the jeweler may recommend removing the stone from the ring and polishing the top surface. A scratch will generally be only on a single facet (face) of the gem and generally on the table or center top facet. If the flaw extends to other facets down the top of the ruby, then indeed the flaw is more than a scratch.

With a deep fracture, options are limited to an attempt to disguise the break with a strong filler material, do nothing and live with the crack showing or replace the ruby.  I imagine replacement is the least desired option because this ring holds family value to you.

Tee, the opinion of a jeweler is important now.  Try more than one jeweler if they appear more eager to sell you a new stone than find a solution to hiding a crack or polishing away a scratch. Do keep in mind, if a serious crack deep into the ruby, repair is likely not feasible.

God Bless and Peace.   Thomas.

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Underneath  

From top   QUESTION: Thanks so much for your reply and detail.
I can live with the crack, but I am concerned the stone will break and fall out. I suppose only a jeweller will be able to tell, but I will attach a picture in case you are able to shed some light.

Answer
Dear Tee,
If the dark area showing in the photo from below is the crack, it does appear to run deeply into the stone.  Have a jeweler check it to see if the stone is actually in one piece. If so, there is a chance of a epoxy treatment to seep into the crack and help hole all together. The ring is cleaned well with a solvent and the cement is placed on the stone with help of vacuum when possible. Enough goes into the crack to help hold it together.  Doing treatment of this sort is difficult while the stone is set in the ring but I would be reluctant to remove the stone, fearing it might come apart in the process or most likely to be damaged in resetting it into the ring.

Yes, at this point a jeweler will provide an on the spot inspection which I am not able to do. The photos help a lot and thank you for that.

God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.