Description
This is a high-grade strand of royal purple sugilite beads complemented by solid 18k gold beads and clasp. The color is emblematic for this material and is along the lines of what you find in amethyst but is mostly opaque. The beads, which are well cut graduated rondels, range in size from about 8.0 mm down to 3.0 mm (see photos with older U.S. dime for size/scale).
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. 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. The decorative beads and clasp are solid 18k gold.
Learn more about Sugilite at this link.
