When Prehnite Packs a Punch






Many years ago, shortly after I started out, the price of prehnite went shooting up. It was one of those odd things, where I had to do a bit of a double take. What could be going on? I was told, it was because it was being used as a jade substitute for the Chinese market. I did another double take, because I just couldn’t see it. Prehnite is so commonly pale, fractured, full of wisps and veils that I just couldn’t see how it could possibly substitute for jade. And then they brought out the good stuff; deep green, clean and glowing with an unearthly, dreamlike lustre. Ever since, I’ve tried to stock the better stuff, because when prehnite is good, it’s very, very good indeed. You might never even have heard of it.

The GIA thinks not, as they have included it in their ‘Hot Gemstones’ round-up, but that makes it an excellent choice as you are not likely to run into it in your local jewellers. It’s a bit different, unusual and the prices (except for the really fine stuff) are pretty sensible. For meaning, it is best known as the stone of unconditional love, said to connect the head to the heart. It’s found mainly in Australia, Canada, China and the USA, and it’s a good choice for anyone who likes their stones untreated as it never is.


Pictured below are a couple of really gorgeous specimens: top is marmarModern’s Prehnite and Sterling Silver Ring – I just love this setting which manages to be interesting and unusual and not detract at all from the beauty of the stone. Below that is Mastergoldcraft’s Prehnite and 14k Rose Gold Ring ; a study in elegant simplicity.

marmarModern Prehnite and Sterling Silver Ring, $130
 
Mastergoldcraft Prehnite and 14k Rose Gold Ring, $875
 
Check out our beautiful collection of engagement rings for men, and see which ring best suite your style.
 

Comments

Promise rings for couples said…
Interesting article!! These rings are very beautiful.
October 13, 2019 at 11:02 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Will Blockchain Be a Boon to the Jewelry Industry?

Image
LONDON — For gem specialists, merchants and gatherers alike, the absolute greatest difficulties are the equivalent — and very natural: How would one be able to ensure the moral provenance of a jewel or valuable stone? Guarantee it is genuine and not phony? How might one secure and track the development of a gem inside a divided and murky store network? What's more, how might one validate responsibility for piece if that is raised doubt about? Various gems industry heavyweights have as of late embraced circulated record innovation, an umbrella term for a mutual and synchronized database, to record such data. What's more, excited defenders of blockchain, the basic framework, say the innovation could be a conceivable — and progressive — check arrangement, albeit one still in its outset. Blockchain, which has been utilized since 2009 to support the digital currency Bitcoin, enables an exchange to be recorded forever on a database shared among PCs without depending on an o...
Read more

Enamored with Enamel Jewelry

Image
What do you think of enamel jewelry? Personally, until a couple years ago, I hadn’t given it much thought. But with its resurgence in popularity, I’m becoming a big fan!! Certainly enamel is nothing new, as it dates back to the 13th Century BC! (If you want to read more about the history, Lang Antiques has an amazing article about enamel jewelry.) Basically enamel is when a certain type of glass, called an allochromatic, is fused to the metal below. You may be familiar with Closionee and Champleve, which are two popular types of enamel. Today, some jewelers are really taking this tricky technique to new heights, mixing enamel with jewels and themes that really make what’s old new again. Foundrae is one company that really has melded enamel, gold and meaningful talismans together. Here’s their Dark Blossom cuff.   Erica Molinari combines my love of momento mori and enamel in a new type of heirloom ring.  Brooke Gregson adds a whole new dimension to ena...
Read more

Jewelry to Wear with a Strapless Dress

Image
From ultra-glam to sophisticated simplicity: How to choose just the right jewelry for a sexy, strapless dress. You’ve found the perfect dress: a gorgeous, strapless number that complements your figure and makes you feel more than a bit glamorous. You even have the shoes. But, like many (all) of us who don’t have a personal stylist to add that je ne sais quoi touch to make an outfit really spectacular, you may be wavering on what jewelry to wear. Don’t fret. By following a few simple guidelines, you’ll be sure to accessorize your bombshell dress with just the right jewelry pieces. Be dramatic A strapless dress is all about drama. A good rule of thumb is to select jewelry that doesn’t compete with that drama; rather, it enhances it. Choosing one statement piece as a focal point — like a jeweled necklace, elaborate chandelier earrings or a bold bracelet — is a nearly fail-safe way to go. With necklaces, you’ll want to consider what looks good with your dress’s neckline...
Read more