Rhodochrosite and Diamond Ring

This is a museum-quality Sweet Home Mine Rhodochrosite. 

The Sweet Home Mine produced the world's best quality rhodochrosite and closed several years ago. The Smithsonian has a rhodochrosite. We put this rare beauty in a special setting designed to showcase the gemstone.  It is surrounded by high-quality diamonds in solid 18K yellow gold that is satin finished on the band. 

This specimen was obtained from a private collection of a lapidary. He cut it himself, and it is a fancy marquise cut.

Gemstones: 

Center: Natural AAA Rhodochrosite
Weight: 2.42 carats
Cut: Fancy Marquise
Size (L x W x D): 9.77 x 7.01 x 5.54 mm
Origin: Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado
Treatment: None
Clarity: VVS
Color: Fire engine red with neon red sparkle

Halo: Natural Diamonds
Weight: 1.0 ctw (approx)
Clarity: VS/G
Cut: Baguette and Round brilliant
Treatment: None

Setting:

Solid 18K yellow gold (setting head and band); 18K white gold (surrounding diamonds)
Size: 6.5 (easily sizable for free)

Retail: $ 12,995.00

CGJ: $ 5,099.00

About rhodochrosite and the Sweet Home Mine:

Rhodochrosite specimens from the Sweet Home are treasured pieces in public museums and private mineral collections around the world. Sweet Home Mine rhodochrosite crystals frequently exhibit a spectacular cherry-red color and can have lustrous, razor-sharp crystal faces.

The Sweet Home Mine was closed in October, 2004. Good specimens of Sweet Home Mine rhodochrosite are increasingly difficult to find and prices for the top pieces have escalated significantly since the closing of the mine. 

The most highly prized specimens feature rhombohedral crystals that are larger than 2 cm on an edge, are a vibrant cherry-red color, and have a mirror-like luster. Specimens of this level of quality are nearly impossible to acquire, a precious few were discovered and those that were discovered are largely in museums or held in private collections. This is one of those specimens.