Description
This is a high grade strand of darker purple and some bright purple sugilite beads complemented by solid 18k gold beads and clasp. The strand also contains several beads that have a bluish hue to them. This is rare mineral associated with the formation of sugilite called, Richterite (see link below for more info on sugilite). I have run across only a small amount of Richterite over the years.
Total weight of the strand is 163.0 ct (see photos with dime for size/scale). The beads in the strand range from about 12.0 mm (center bead) down to 3.5 mm.
Sugilite is a relatively new gemstone that is found only in South Africa and is no longer commercially available.
Beware of fake sugilite and simulants for sale on the Internet. I have seen dyed chalcedony and jasper marketed as sugilite. You can be confident that you get what you paid for at ARJ.
A little about lighting and the color of sugilite: First, sugilite will look more red under incandescent light vs natural light. Secondly, sugilite will take on more bluish hue under fluorescent light as well as LED light. I typically photograph sugilite pieces in direct or diffused sunlight as this gives the best representation of what you will see under natural lighting conditions. If I photograph a piece indoors it will be under color corrected incandescent studio lights (which tend to give the piece more of a reddish hue).
Wire protectors, and crimps, which are subject to wear/stress, are made with gold filled components for greater durability.
Learn more about Sugilite at this link.
