Components

*Drusy Idocrase (Vesuvianite)
*Chinese "keshi" freshwater pearls
*Gold filled settings, 14k gold posts


Earring drop length: 2" (5 cm)
Earring weight: 9.5 gm ea (a nickel weighs about 5 gm) NOTE the somewhat heavier weight

Item #743 - Sold

Drusy Idocrase Earrings

Drusy Idocrase Earrings
Drusy Idocrase Earrings Detail
Drusy Idocrase Earrings on model
Drusy Idocrase Earrings
Hover to zoom, Click to expand

These drusy stones were marked "Idocrase" so that's what we're calling them. I made a piece with polished Vesuvianite a long time ago (here) and you might see a resemblance (or not). The preferred name Vesuvianite comes from the location where this material was first found. Wiki says Idocrase is an older (1796) synonym sometimes reserved for gem-quality Vesuvianite. These stones are an unusual form covered with extremely tiny crystals (druse) that shoot microbursts of brilliant light (thus the very tiny white spots on the photos). The photo lighting really brings out the dark green in the stones, in dimmer light they are more neutral looking.

The pearl tops are made from a single large freshwater "keshi" pearl which I sawed in half. This was an interesting exercise (for me anyway). You have noticed that when I mention keshi pearls, I distinguish between the Japanese saltwater true keshis, and the freshwater Chinese pearls which vendors call keshi but which many insist should not be so named. A true keshi is a non-nucleated pearl meaning it is solid nacre. (Gem dealers sometimes X-ray high-end pearls to assure themselves and their customers they are natural.) Chinese freshwater pearls can be lovely and come in fabulous shapes and colors. But many experts say they shouldn't be called keshi since most are nucleated, e.g. with corn flakes, Kleenex, or whatever (which doesn't surprise anybody-- it is almost inconceivable that a whole strand of pearls with roughly similar, highly unusual shapes could arise naturally). So, what did I find inside this pearl? First, it is hollow. Secondly, there is some peculiar thin, very tough "stuff" inside. It looked like this material had been rumpled into a hollow form and implanted. The nacre layer is very thick -- I should have measured it -- so this is a good quality pearl and is definitely not fragile! But it certainly appears to have been nucleated.

Melody gives many attributes of Idocrase (as she does for every stone), including that it helps one to fearlessly face danger and that it brings one closer to the higher realms. Simmons says it is useful for bringing enthusiasm back into one's life. (I certainly felt enthusiastic when I found these gorgeous stones!) Katz quotes Pearl as saying, "When worn ... as earrings I reflect the beauty contained within the wearer's aura." Sound interesting? I hope you'll order them today!