SHOW DAILY by JNA • 19 Day 5 • 22 September 2023 JewelleryNet.com NEWS Spotlight on Gemfields’ ruby expertise Passion for rubies According to Elena Basaglia, Downstream Manager at Gemfields Group, current jewellery trends are driving growth in the ruby industry. She said, “Red carries particular significance in China, which is an increasingly buoyant market for rubies, and we are seeing growing interest in self-expression as a factor of jewellery purchase, leading customers to seek out a gemstone with meaning or an engagement ring with character.” Rubies of all varieties are moving fast at auctions, demonstrating solid market demand across the board. Calibrated rubies below 1 carat are particularly sought after by jewellery and watch brands for their versatility, added Basaglia. Rare, open-colour and vibrant-red gems, meanwhile, are favoured centrepieces by high jewellery brands. Gemfields offers a broad variety of rubies, courtesy of Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) in Mozambique, Africa, where it owns a 75 per cent stake. “Gemstones recovered here span the full known colour spectrum of rubies – from a rich crimson red through to orangey and purplish tones – appealing to the diversity inherent to international markets,” continued Basaglia. The miner’s proprietary grading system also guarantees the quality of rubies that it sells to its clients. An interesting development in the trade is the ruby’s re-entry in the engagement ring arena as a centre gem in a traditional trilogy ring or a proud solitaire. Basaglia explained that rubies demonstrate a character that is starkly different from traditional colourless diamonds. A unique characteristic of Gemfields’ production from MRM is the prevalence of 1-carat to 3-carat gems with good colour saturation as these fit perfectly within the engagement ring category. This trend is expected to gain further steam well beyond 2024, noted Basaglia. JGW 2023’s Red Radiance educational programme highlights ruby’s unique narrative. Basaglia said, “There is a story in every gemstone, so it is a delight to see JGW’s educational programme bringing these to life in celebration of 40 years. Rubies symbolise passion, protection and prosperity, so we hope the exhibition brings a little of all three to each guest.” Gemfields’ extensive knowledge of the world of rubies comes to the fore as it takes part in Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong’s (JGW) immersive, educational programme, Red Radiance – the Ruby’s Mine-toMarket Adventure Exhibition. Ruby, as the 40th anniversary gemstone, is at the heart of JGW, which celebrates its 40th edition this year. A standout feature of the programme is the Red Radiance Treasure Hunt, which entices visitors to view exceptional ruby displays by participating exhibitors at AsiaWorld-Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Gemfields is a sponsor of Red Radiance, proudly presented by Informa Markets’ Jewellery & Gem Knowledge Community. Rubies from Gemfields
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