Double-Strand Ametrine Necklace

Make a bold but feminine fashion statement with this Double-Strand Ametrine Necklace. Polished freeform nuggets of 4 to 12mm ametrine captivate with their naturally occurring juxtaposition of purple and yellow quartz. Stainless steel clasp. Natural variations ensure each Double-Strand Ametrine Necklace is one of a kind.  18"l.

Museum Provenance

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust. It is composed of the elements silicon and oxygen, and in its pure state is colorless. However, small amounts of various impurity atoms can yield a wide range of colors. Amethyst, the most prized gem variety of quartz, is purple. Citrine is the golden-yellow to orange variety of quartz. Gems that are part amethyst and part citrine are known as ametrine. The color zoning in ametrine is due to differing oxidation states of iron inside the crystal. Most ametrine is mined in Bolivia, however there are deposits in Brazil and India. The Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection includes two extraordinary ametrines. The faceted and hand-carved Dyber Ametrine incorporates "Dyber Optic Dishes" creating optical illusions. The 77.25 carat Attaway Ametrine, the Eye of Horus, was mined in Bolivia and also illustrates faceting combined with one-of-a-kind gemstone carving.

Every Smithsonian purchase will arrive with a museum provenance card explaining how it is adapted from or inspired by an object or objects in our collection.