Lead Glass Filled Ruby & Sapphire

Below are several photos of lead glass filled (composite) ruby and sapphire photos provided by Raymond Mason after his recent trip to Thailand. The green material is brand new. Just purchased at the Bangkok Gem Fair in September 2012.

Indications are that faceted & cabochon cut green sapphire and possibly orange sapphire will be seen at the 2013 Tucson show. Perhaps the GJX may be the most likely show to discover these treated corundums.

Update - February 2013
A variety of lead glass filled rubies and sapphires were purchased at the GJX show for $1.00 per carat. Though these are not large stones, about 8.0 mm, it shows what is coming in the future.

ruby - rough before any treatment	ruby - rough after treatment
ruby - rough before treatment, after treatment, 1 faceted round stone and 2 oval cabochon cut stones.	pink sapphire before and after treatment plus 3 oval faceted stones
treated green sapphire - 4 cabochon cut stones
lead glass filled rubies and sapphires (February 2013)