Description
This is a high-grade strand of sugilite beads complemented by solid 18k gold beads and clasp. The color is saturated and some of the beads are translucent. Total weight of the strand is 82.5 ct and the beads range in size from about 8.0 mm down to 3.5 mm (see photos with older U.S. dime for size/scale). At 16 3/4″ it is nearly a choker length necklace for many women. If this is too short for you there are other necklaces to choose from at ARJ or you might check with a local jeweler to see if you can purchase an extender.
You might notice that this strand looks darker in some of the photos and lighter and brighter in others (especially in the last photo on the display “neck”). This is one of the idiosyncrasies of sugilite, in that, the color will look different under different lighting conditions. All of these photos were taken outside at nearly the same time but the photo where the necklace is on the display neck is oriented more directly towards the sun.
Sugilite is a relatively new gemstone that is found only in South Africa and is no longer commercially available. See link below for more information on this rare and unique gemstone.
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.
Wire protectors, and crimps, which are subject to wear/stress, are made with gold filled components for greater durability. The decorative beads and clasp are solid 18k gold.
Learn more about Sugilite at this link.
