One of the most prized of colored gems, ruby is used in many forms of jewelry and decorative items. Because of its significance, the importance of differentiating between natural and synthetic material cannot be overemphasized. This issue's cover article deals with a new synthetic ruby—manufactured by Douros Created Gems in Piraeus, Greece—that may present an identification challenge for gemologists. The fine natural rubies in the contemporary Buccellati chalice and necklace on the cover are integral to these two classic designs. The necklace contains 17 pear-shaped cabochon rubies, totaling 17.69 carats, accented by 34 emeralds and 375 rose-cut diamonds. Thirty-two rubies with a total weight of 9.92 carats adorn the rock-crystal chalice, which also uses 53 emeralds and 513 grams of gold. Courtesy of Buccellati of Beverly Hills, California. Photo © Harold & Erica Van Pelt—Photographers, Los Angeles, CA.