Split Personality

Life In The Facet Lane

by Diana Jarrett GG RMV

The trait that makes colored gemstones so appealing is their storytelling opportunity.

Most of them are sourced in remote regions, often at great peril to the gem hunter. Political hot-spots and treacherous accessibility near mines contribute to the overall risk involved with their harvest.

TWO COLORS – ONE JEWEL

Such is the situation with the glamorous bicolor ametrine quartz. Gem fans love yellow.They like purple too. Having both colors on the same stone doubles its appeal. Yellow quartz is citrine, while purple quartz is called amethyst. Each of these crystal varieties are often found in the same deposit. Producing the bicolor crystal occurs during formation, when temperature variations across the crystal result in a two-toned gem.

67.92 CTS UNTREATED BOLIVIAN AMETRINE NEBULA TM CUT BY JOHN DYER

WHAT A STORY

Boliva produces the world’s entire supply of ametrine, from the Anahi mine. Legends claim it had been known since the 17th century when a lucky Spanish conquistador snagged the mine as a dowry by marrying a tribal princess. The conquistador – groom later introduced the bicolor treasure to the Spanish Queen upon his return to Europe.

Commercially, this mine has only been in operation since the late 20th century. And that’s just fine with imaginative gem artists like cutter John Dyer who created the exciting Nebula™ cut Bolivian ametrine. He said, ‘It is the probably the coolest of the gems of mine that won awards. This one has a very unusual look. My “Nebula™ cut is named for the clouds in space which often appear in spiral form. They are exceptionally beautiful in photographs coming from the Hubble telescope.”

Dyer’s one-of-a-kind carved gemstones are often found in our region’s most elite designer goods, from Naples to Ft. Myers. Is it any wonder? Our areas fashionistas love to look heavenly, and these gemstones complement that vibe.

Contact Diana Jarrett at diana@dianajarrett.com and read color-n-ice.blogspot.com