EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
GradingFeb 19, 2019
Greenland Ruby Finalizes Traceability Program
The miner also has rolled out color range sample sets of its Greenlandic gems.
Greenland Ruby has launched a mine-to-market traceability program in which each gem that comes from Aappaluttoq is assigned a number and comes with a certificate of origin.
Tucson, Ariz.—Greenland Ruby, the company currently mining ruby and pink sapphire on the ice-covered island, has rolled out a mine-to-market traceability program for its gems.
Launched in Tucson amid the annual gem shows, the program has been endorsed by the government of Greenland and is made possible through the miner’s customized inventory system with Carats.Online.
Each parcel of the company’s rough is given a number, and all gems produced from that parcel are assigned their own individual number linked to the parent parcel. These numbers stay with each gem throughout heat treatment, cutting and setting.
At the end, each stone has its own unique number that helps identify it with its description (color, weight, dimensions) and a certificate of origin is produced.
Greenland Ruby Vice President of Sales and Marketing Hayley Henning told National Jeweler that all material is accounted for by parcel weight starting the moment it’s moved from the mine, through processing, sorting, export and onward. This happens as part of the miner’s inventory control system and is monitored closely by the company as well as by Greenland’s Ministry of Natural Resources.
When a consumer purchases a piece set with Greenlandic gems, she or he is given the certificate to prove provenance.
“Though Greenland Ruby’s jewelry clients to date have only requested certificates on gems over 1 carat for their customers, Greenland Ruby has the ability to produce a tracking number for every stone, if a brand wished to do so,” Henning said.
“The gems do not need individual markings, since a variety of gemological laboratories around the world, including the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, the Gemological Institute of America, the Gübelin Gem Lab and Lotus Gemology, have examined our material and determined that Greenlandic corundum is readily identifiable as originating on the island.”
Launched in Tucson amid the annual gem shows, the program has been endorsed by the government of Greenland and is made possible through the miner’s customized inventory system with Carats.Online.
Each parcel of the company’s rough is given a number, and all gems produced from that parcel are assigned their own individual number linked to the parent parcel. These numbers stay with each gem throughout heat treatment, cutting and setting.
At the end, each stone has its own unique number that helps identify it with its description (color, weight, dimensions) and a certificate of origin is produced.
Greenland Ruby Vice President of Sales and Marketing Hayley Henning told National Jeweler that all material is accounted for by parcel weight starting the moment it’s moved from the mine, through processing, sorting, export and onward. This happens as part of the miner’s inventory control system and is monitored closely by the company as well as by Greenland’s Ministry of Natural Resources.
When a consumer purchases a piece set with Greenlandic gems, she or he is given the certificate to prove provenance.
“Though Greenland Ruby’s jewelry clients to date have only requested certificates on gems over 1 carat for their customers, Greenland Ruby has the ability to produce a tracking number for every stone, if a brand wished to do so,” Henning said.
“The gems do not need individual markings, since a variety of gemological laboratories around the world, including the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, the Gemological Institute of America, the Gübelin Gem Lab and Lotus Gemology, have examined our material and determined that Greenlandic corundum is readily identifiable as originating on the island.”
Greenland Ruby has sorted its material into quality levels to create color spectrums that allow customers to order material consistently. Pictured here are the color levels identified within the Transparent and Translucent quality levels.
Also in Tucson, the company displayed its final color range sample sets of gems. These color spectrums will be used for customers who would like to select material consistently, Henning said, allowing them to refer to the color spectrum and order according to needs.
Greenland Ruby offers transparent, translucent and opaque cabochon stones that weigh up to 50 carats, easily calibrated for jewelry collections.
The miner said cabochons are often the preferred method of shaping the gems because of the nature of the material, but the company also offers faceted stones, ranging from melee sizes up to more than 1 carat.
Greenland Ruby has sorted its calibrated cabochon material into three different quality levels: transparent, translucent and opaque, Henning said. Within these three categories, various color levels have been identified.
There are six colors in the Transparent and Translucent categories: T1 to T6, with T1 starting at a deep red and moving through to hot pinks, light and icy pinks, and whites. Within the opaque spectrum, there are nine categories: O1 to O9.
Henning said the company is also finding some blue, purple and gray material in this category, which, she added, is highly unusual for a ruby mine.
RELATED CONTENT: The First Full Collection Using Greenland Gems Is Coming
Greenland Ruby representatives said in 2019, they plan to expand in the American market.
“Our team plans wider introduction of our beautiful products in the U.S. this year, after successful debuts in Europe, and among select luxury designers,” Greenland Ruby CEO Magnus Kibsgaard said. “We’ve noted the exploding interest in responsibly sourced products in America, and we feel our gems are perfectly positioned to take advantage of that trend. The modern consumer is demanding fair manufactured goods with a story of doing well by doing good.”
The miner’s Pink Polar Bear Foundation also will continue its work this year to support international polar research in all disciplines, especially protecting the inhabitants—human and animal—of Greenland affected by climate change and accompanying cultural changes.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
