Three major international gem organizations are calling for urgent action to prevent further entrance into the market of irradiated rubies and sapphires that have unstable color, many reportedly sourced from Sri Lanka.
The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) issued a joint statement on Monday, renewing concerns first raised in 2022 about gemstone treatments that alter color through irradiation.
The AGTA recently issued an “Important Notice” citing increasing reluctance among US dealers to purchase yellow, peach and padparadscha sapphires, along with rubies, from Sri Lankan suppliers. Many of these stones have proven to be unstable, sometimes fading to nearly colorless or shifting hue over time, according to the statement.
The irradiated gemstones are believed to be treated using undisclosed radiation sources. According to the organizations, these treatments often produce appealing but short-lived colors that mislead consumers and undermine trust in the gemstone trade.
In response, the Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) announced it would initiate an awareness campaign and pursue regulatory reforms. Proposed measures include stricter testing protocols, mandatory disclosure of treatments and penalties for those who violate industry standards.
CIBJO, AGTA and ICA welcomed SLGJA’s commitment but emphasized the need for immediate and decisive enforcement. They warned that failure to act could damage consumer sentiment and inflict long-term harm on the global colored-gemstone industry.
“This should be done with urgency, since if the present situation is allowed to continue it will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the industry, and by extension on consumer confidence in colored gemstones,” the organizations said.
The warning follows broader efforts by CIBJO to improve industry transparency, such as the recent redefinition of “recycled gold” to prevent misleading claims. The updated classification now distinguishes clearly between pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled materials, with the goal of reducing confusion and greenwashing within the jewelry supply chain.
Image: A treated natural ruby. (Shutterstock)
