1.67 ct. Chinese Rhodochrosite

We have been watching the production of gem grade Rhodochrosite from China since the gems debuted nearly two years ago.  As is often the case, it has taken some time for the best material to come out, and for the cutters who work with the material to perfect their technique.  The material is capable of a color that nearly impossible to distinguish from the Colorado material and the stones themselves can be simply dazzling.  The deciding factor is the clarity - a completely clean stone will 'pop' in a way that a stone with even some light inclusion will not.  Such is the case here, a completely clean gem that is absolutely alive with brilliance.  This in addition to the superb color, that vivid pink with an orange modifier that produces the well known intense 'watermelon' hue. 

If you had a chance to visit the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society show last month, you may have seen one of the most impressive attractions of the show - a pair of exceptional Rhodochrosite specimens from this mine.  You can find some photos of the rather grandiosely named 'Emperor' and 'Empress of China' here.

$240 / carat - $400 total