Fine Ruby bead, is it antique?

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello everyone

Namaste

I have a small Burmese Ruby bead of exceptional quality and I’m
trying to find out if it is an antique bead.

I got an EGL certificate for it, it is untreated natural Ruby with
very good colour (Gem wizard colour number 30(06)5/4).

No one, to the best of my understanding, will drill a hole and
tumble polish such beautiful fine gem quality Burmese Ruby (2.28c).

In the book ‘Indian Jewellery Dance of the Peacock’ very similar
beads are shone, they were used for fancy necklaces in old Maharajas
jewellery, yet the book only shows beads from Spinals and Emeralds.

The person whom I bought the bead from did not know its story, but I
am quite sure the bead was once a part of some jewellery in India.

Is there a way to find out if it is an antique bead? And if so what
is its value (it is not for sale as it will be part of a special work
of jewellery that is ongoing).

I work in Israel at the moment, but apart from making the
certificate I don’t know how to find more info here. some of you on
Orchid may know.

Love and Light
Akash
www.akashjewels.com

2 
Is there a way to find out if it is an antique bead? And if so
what is its value (it is not for sale as it will be part of a
special work of jewellery that is ongoing).

I am afraid not. At best we can only make an educated guess. All
indications which may or may not point you in some direction can be
faked. One thing that you can try is get out your microscope, set it
for 60x or higher, and try to determine the origin of the ruby. If
you can narrow it to some region or even mine, it may give you some
idea.

Leonid Surpin

3 
Is there a way to find out if it is an antique bead? And if so what
is its value (it is not for sale as it will be part of a special
work of jewellery that is ongoing).

Try Dr. Robert Liu of Ornament Magazine. Robert loves antique beads,
is very knowledgeable, and who knows, an article or picture of your
bead may end up in his wonderful magazine.

Nancy Goodenough