New Acquisitions - Amethyst Necklace
- Photography by Ken Larsen. Gift of June Rosner and Russell Bilgore, 2007.
Amethyst is the most prized gem variety of quartz. Just a few atoms of iron replacing some of the silicon in quartz cause the purple color. Amethyst is found in a variety of geologic settings, but the most important is as crystals lining cavities in volcanic rock (geodes). Brazil and Uruguay are the major sources of gem amethyst. However, this amethyst is believed to be from Siberia, Russia. The 56 carat cushion-cut, square-shaped amethyst is set in an 18 karat yellow gold necklace designed by Tiffany & Co. The deep purple color with flashes of red make this amethyst both beautiful and valuable. The floral motif and decorative style of the pendant is a good example of Art Nouveau jewelry that was being made at the turn of the 20th century. Not only is it a remarkable piece of jewelry, but the amethyst gem is much larger than any others in the National Gem Collection from this locality.
- Photography by Ken Larsen. Gift of June Rosner and Russell Bilgore, 2007.
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