From the Silk Road to RubyCloud™

The first gemstones were given mysterious meanings and symbolism and were passed down through generations, more or less like we do today. The global trade of gemstones was made possible much later with the creation of the Silk Road, from around the 2nd century BC to the 18th century. The Silk Road not only allowed for the trade of gemstones but also facilitated the spread of the gemstone cutting industry. Where the gems went the lapidaries went too!

The Gemstone Industry has stayed very much unchanged for hundreds of years, and in many ways, and in many parts of the world, it’s just the same as it always has been. Though traditions run deep in the gemstone industry, the recent internet revolution has spun a boom in digital transformation, providing hi-tech solutions to one of the oldest industries in the world.

The many months of lockdowns and the global pandemic only highlighted the shift towards online trading, proving that a digital inventory viewing and buying platform is a necessity for today and the future. Greenland Ruby, already known to be one of the most sophisticated colored gemstone producers in the world, was quick to adjust to this new technology and powered by GemCloud, has introduced RubyCloud™. RubyCloud™ is Greenland Ruby’s online marketplace accessible 24/7 and constantly updated as each new Greenland Ruby gem becomes available for sale, offering thousands of rubies and pink sapphires, and featuring 360-degree video views and high-quality, “true-to-the-eye” photos.

RubyCloud™ will be another step towards the digitization of the trade of gems, enabling transparency and traceability and giving jewelry buyers the chance to discover the entire journey of the gemstones they purchase from the comfort of their offices and homes.

Sustainability & Transparency

It should come as no surprise that such terms have been on the rise in recent years, especially given increasing consumer concern over environmental and ethical issues related to the sourcing and supply chains of diamonds and colored gemstones.

Unless proper, sustainable practices are part of the mining plan, soil erosion and degradation, deforestation, and harm to plant and animal life are inevitable. At Greenland Ruby, we are firm about our commitment to preserving the pristine location of our mine, which is located in a drained waterway amidst an icy mountainous landscape and surrounded by majestic fjords. Upon completion of our work there, the drained aqueduct will be refilled, all equipment and buildings will be removed, and the site will be fully restored to its natural wilderness.

Keep the mystique and remove the mystery

The big T in the gemstone industry, TRACEABILITY is defined by the ability to identify and trace the source, history, distribution, and application of products, parts, and materials. Given the complex and fragmented nature of the global gem industry, the challenge of traceability is significant. The consumer demand for information about how the materials in their jewelry are extracted and manufactured will continue to drive the gemstone industry towards more transparency of the supply chains.

In May 2017, Greenland Ruby officially opened our mining operation in Aappalutoq {Ah-puh-lu-tok} and announced our mine-to-market track-and-trace program for our gems as Greenland’s only miner of ruby and pink sapphire. Certified by the Greenlandic Government, this program assures a transparent source chain that, to this very day, remains rare in the colored gemstone industry. When it comes to traceability, we thrive to give an insight into how our precious stones are mine, cut & polished and how they end up in your jewelry.

At Greenland Ruby, every parcel of Greenlandic rough material is given a number, and the gems produced from that single parcel are given their own unique numbers that link back to the original. These numbers remain with each gem throughout heat treatment, cutting, sorting and jewelry manufacturing.  Each gem comes with a certificate of Origin.

Join us on our journey won’t you!