Description
This is a beautiful strand of bright purple and some darker (grape) sugilite beads accented with three pieces of natural (un-dyed) Mediterranean red coral. The necklace is complemented by solid 18k gold beads and clasp. Sugilite is a relatively new gemstone that is found only in South Africa and is no longer commercially available. The rondelle beads in this strand are well cut and range from approx. 8.0 mm down to about 4.0 mm. The largest piece of red coral in the center of the necklace is 1 1/2″ long and is deep blood red (see photos with older U.S. dime for size/scale).
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.
