Estate Chalcedony Necklace / Special Order

REF # E105C5CL

Estate Chalcedony Necklace / Special Order

This estate necklace comprises chalcedony and labradorite cabochons with faceted iolite beads strung on sterling silver. Featuring a sterling silver clasp and out-fittings, this aesthetically asymmetrical, hand-constructed necklace weighs 176.2g of semi-precious gemstones and measures 17 inches long. This captivating and elegant multi-gem necklace of impressive design and striking color-contrast exposes dynamic quatrefoil floral decor enhanced by a detachable drop measuring 5 inches long. The stunning cinquefoil petals are rendered in chalcedony cabochons, the largest of which measures 36mm long and 18mm wide, graded an enchanting 'pale-lilac' color accentuated by 'grey-blue' faceted iolite beads. Delightful 'iridescent-blue' labradorite beads and cabochons complement the enriched color palette of this eye-catching floral arrangement centrally mounted on durable corded sterling silver. Suspending from this floral assemblage is a detachable accentuating and graduating pendant adorned with delightful pastel chalcedony cabochons, round and oval-faceted labradorite beads and contrasting grey-blue iolite beads from orbicular-link chains of graduating length. This opulent and richly colored necklace boasts over 350 silver-strung cabochon labradorite beads and over 250 faceted iolite beads. A pair of rectangular pierced openwork profiles embellished with heart-motif silhouettes constitutes the hand-made clasp while a sterling silver hook and ring closure conclude this inimitable aesthetic design. The en suite drop earrings comprise 'pale lilac' chalcedony briolettes, labradorite rondelles and faceted iolite beads completing this ostentatious 'demi-parure' measuring 1.5 inches long, 7mm wide and 4.5mm deep. As this is a Special Order, please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.

The name iolite comes from the Greek word 'ion', meaning violet. Iolite crystals are known for revealing different colors from different angles. An iolite cube can appear to be 'violet-blue' almost like sapphire from one angle, 'clear as water' from the other, and a 'honey-yellow' from the top. In the past, this characteristic led some people to call iolite 'water-sapphire', a term that is apparently no longer used. Iolite is usually a purplish blue but this enchanting color can be shown at its best only when the stone is cut aligned and cut, irrespective of the shape of the raw crystal.

Deriving its name from the Canadian Peninsula of Labrador where the ancient deep crystal rocks contain vast occurrences of the mineral, labradorite is a feldspar mineral valued as a semi-precious gemstone and an ornamental material. Labradorite is the only gemstone found in the world that possesses labradorescence which is a color display resulting from lamellar intergrowths within the crystal, resulting in gemstone shimmering with a play of color in gold, blue, red and green. Labradorescence also constitutes the most evident feature of identifying this gemstone, this unique gemstone being used throughout the ages for the carving of cameos or to mount in rings. Whereas the transparent crystals are faceted into gemstones, translucent to opaque labradorite is polished into beads and fashioned 'en cabochon' for use in jewelry. Labradorite occurs in Labrador, Newfoundland, Finland and Russia, the finest qualities of labradorite being referred to by their trade name 'spectrolite' are found in Finland. Labradorite is believed to assist mental power over the physical world, to unleash the power of imagination and to protect one's aura.

Chalcedony is a variety of quartz formed not from one single crystal but from a number of finely grained micro-crystals. The broad variety of chalcedony is even greater than that of transparent quartz, covering a wide range of solid colors. Included in the extensive varieties of chalcedony, are agate with banded patterns, bloodstone, characterized by red spots on a green background, jasper that can look like a landscape painting and black onyx, a jewelry industry staple. Chrysoprase, a bright apple green and translucent gemstone, is the most valued variety of chalcedony and was a particular favorite of Frederick the Great of Prussia and can be seen today decorating many historic buildings in Prague.