Grading

Greenland Ruby Finalizes Traceability Program

GradingFeb 19, 2019

Greenland Ruby Finalizes Traceability Program

The miner also has rolled out color range sample sets of its Greenlandic gems.

20190215_Greenland-certificate.jpg
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.”

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.
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. 
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

Helen McCluskey
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board Chair

Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy