Kunzit

Kunzite aka Spodumene Gemstone

The mineral spodumene is a variety of Kunzite. The first description of this mineral came in the early 20th century from the pen of the famous gemologist George Kunz, an employee of the jewelry company Tiffany & Co. The stone was named after the man. The advertising promotion of Kunzite on the world market was arranged by the jewelry brand Tiffany & Co.

Color variety

The color palette of the stones is characterized by the presence of light pastel colors ranging from pink to purple. The most highly valued are the pink-colored gemstones. At the same time, stones with faint pink coloring have a lower price. Crystals with a deep pink hue and minimal violet are much more expensive. On the jewelry market, we often find large-size cut stones that do not contain inclusions or cracks.

There are two other kinds of spodumene. Among them are the rare yellow-colored Tryphanes and green Hiddenites. Designers of the few famous jewelry houses use kunzites in their collections, whereas the jewelers rarely use triphanes and hiddenites.

The disadvantage of all spodumenes is their color changes after a certain period. It is known that light pink-colored kunzites fade under the influence of the sun. We also use heat and irradiation methods to enhance the color quality of our stones.

Origin

The main suppliers of gem-quality kunzite on the world market come from Brazil, the United States, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Madagascar deposits. Mining companies operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan supply most of the quality stones.

Kunzite in jewelry

The first jewelry pieces decorated with Kunzite were introduced in the early twentieth century. The managers of Tiffany & Co organized the promotion of the novelties on the world market. The famous film actress Elizabeth Taylor owned a magnificent jewelry set containing gemstones, amethysts, and brilliant-cut diamonds.

The jewelry Kunzite jewelry peaked in 1996. That year at Sotheby's, a ring featuring a quincite that had once belonged to Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of American President John F. Kennedy, was offered for sale. This 47-carat kunzite ring, set with 20 diamonds, was purchased by an auctioneer for over $400,000, with a market value of $7,000.

Different models of type pieces with Kunzite do not cost very much. The price of rings or earrings containing good quality Kunzits varies depending on the crystal's weight, color, and purity. As a rule, jewelers use white gold to frame kunzites. There is practically no jewelry with these beautiful stones in the showcases of jewelry stores. One can only order the necessary piece of jewelry from a professional jeweler.