Macedonian Ruby Specimens

Russell Shor

The Macedonian town of Prilep has been a source of marble since antiquity, even supplying some Roman settlements. Rubies have occasionally been found within the Bianco Sivec quarry, according to gem dealer Denis Gravier (Gravier & Gemmes, Poncin, France). Although Prilep is mainland Europe’s only known natural ruby source, only in the past 15 years has there been an effort to mine the gems. Gravier offered several rubies from the Prilep quarry at the March 19–22 Jewellery & Gem Fair – Europe in Freiburg, Germany, including the 9.93 ct cabochon seen above. None of the specimens were faceted. Gravier said the deposit produces comparatively few gem-quality rubies, and most are too cloudy for faceting. The best ones have a distinct “raspberry” color. It is unknown whether any of the material is heat treated. Macedonian craftsmen have developed a local industry using these rubies in jewelry and objets d’art.