Introducing our luxurious collection of gemstone jewelry, where each piece is meticulously crafted to showcase the natural beauty and vibrant colors of our exquisite gemstones. From dazzling gemstone cocktail rings and elegant gemstone rings to statement-making large faceted gemstone rings, our unique designs are perfect for those seeking a touch of sophistication and glamour. Adorn yourself with our exquisite beaded gemstone necklaces, featuring carefully selected beads that complement the vibrant hues of the gemstones. Complete your look with our enchanting gemstone pendants, designed to captivate and inspire with their intricate details and alluring charm.
Experience the enchanting world of our gemstone jewelry, where elegance meets allure, and color meets radiance. Adorn yourself with sophistication and sparkle, and find the perfect piece to express your unique style and enhance your natural beauty. Unleash your inner radiance and let our jewelry illuminate your path.
October 29, 2006
A Glimpse into the Enigmatic Aura of Garnets Here are some captivating details that make Garnets remarkably fascinating:
June 18, 2006
Chrysoprase (also chrysophrase) is a gemstone variety of chalcedony (fibrous form of quartz) that contains small quantities of nickel. Its color is normally apple-green, but varies to deep green. It is cryptocrystalline, which means that it is composed of crystals so fine that they cannot be seen as distinct particles under normal magnification. This sets it apart from rock crystal, amethyst, citrine, and the other varieties of crystalline quartz which are basically transparent and formed from easily recognized six-sided crystals. Other members of the cryptocrystalline quartz family include agate, carnelian, and onyx. Unlike many non-transparent members of the quartz family, it is the color of chrysoprase, rather than any pattern of markings, that makes it desirable. The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos meaning 'gold' and prason, meaning 'leek'.
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Due to its comparative scarcity and pleasing green color, chrysoprase is one of the most prized varieties of quartz. Higher quality specimens often rival fine jade, for which it is sometimes mistaken. Cut into cabochons (smooth domed gems with flat backs for use in jewelry), it can be as sought after as fine amethyst. Its use in jewelry dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was fashioned into necklaces, scarabs, and objects of adornment.
Unlike emerald which owes its beautiful green color to the presence of chromium, the color of chrysoprase is due to trace amounts of nickel in the structure. The nickel reportedly occurs as platelets of the talc-like mineral willemseite. Chrysoprase results from the deep weathering or lateritization of nickeliferous serpentinites or other ultramafic ophiolite rocks. In the Australian deposits, chrysoprase occurs as veins and nodules with brown goethite and other iron oxides in the magnesite-rich saprolite below an iron and silica cap.
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The best known sources of chrysoprase are Australia, Germany, Poland, Russia, Arizona, California, and Brazil.
Last weekend at the International Gem & Jewelry Show in San Mateo, California, I was able to obtain some choice cabochons and beads from one of my long time vendors who’s family owns and mines Chrysoprase in Brazil. Chrysoprase has recently become an alternative to turquoise and coral, and is a great accent color for summer wardrobes. I will be posting pictures of rings, earrings, and necklaces featuring this unique gemstone as they are finished.
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