Gemmologist’s Corner – Kunzite

Kunzite is a stone that is relatively new to the world of coloured gems, discovered in the early 20^th Century in California by George Frederich Kunz and subsequently named after him, it is actually a variety of Spodumene but the pink coloured variety of the stone was previously unknown.

It has an unusual understated colour, varying from pink to violet hues. It displays strong pleochroism which means that the saturation of colour varies depending on the angle of viewing; this gives the stone a subtle dynamism.

It often occurs in large crystals lending itself to larger cut stones suitable for statement jewellery pieces yet  it’s elegant soft colour contrasts this larger size, making the finished jewellery products a blend of subtle and commanding.

 John F Kennedy reportedly bought Jackie Kennedy a 47-carat kunzite for their 10^th wedding anniversary in 1963, Elizabeth Taylor also owned a substantially sized kunzite stone in her collection. Since then, celebrities such as Chloe Sevigny and Madonna have been seen sporting the stone.

The stone is relatively inexpensive compared to other pink stones such as pink sapphire or morganite so if you want to make a statement in pink than this is your stone!

Lot 112 contains a 21.57 ct stone within a diamond surround estimated to sell between €1600 – 1800 or for a slightly more understated 5.40 ct stone lot 399 is pretty ring with diamonds on the shoulders €1300 – 1600