Four Treasures Reference Database
Record No. 28617

In situ growth of ruby within metal jewelry structures

Journal Article
Boons, S., Whitehurst, M.E., Huson, D., Potticary, J. and Hall, S.R. (2025) In situ growth of ruby within metal jewelry structures. Crystal Growth & Design, Vol. 25, No. 10, pp. 3347–3353.
ISBN/ISSN: 1528-7483  |  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.5c00044  |  Sinkankas/Born No.: NIS/NIB  |  RWHL
gems, corundum, synthetic corundum.7, ruby, flux growth, novel methods, jewelry, molybdenum flux
This work explores the innovative in situ growth of ruby crystals within metal jewellery structures, merging artistic creativity with scientific methodology. By re-exploring historical practices in which art and science coexisted, this research highlights the potential of an interdisciplinary approach. Ruby crystals were grown via Al₂O₃–MoO₃ systems with a Cr₂O₃ dopant, both in isolation and within platinum structures, and the underlying crystal-growth mechanism was investigated, revealing a deeper understanding of the Molten INtermediate Decomposition (MIND) mechanism and MoO₃ flux methods. The feasibility of integrating crystal growth into jewellery design is demonstrated, and its potential impact on the field is explored. This process is proposed as a novel approach to jewellery making that celebrates the natural beauty of crystal-growth features, challenging traditional perceptions of laboratory-grown gemstones.