About this Product
Rich grassy green natural Chrome Diopside(.50tcw, VS, Russia) hand set in sterling silver studs.
Name Origin and Meaning
Chrome is a tribute to the chemical element chromium which gives chrome diopside its beautiful green color. Diopside comes from the Greek words dis, meaning ‘double,’ and opsis, meaning ‘vision.’
Discovery and History
Chrome diopside is one of those rare gemstones whose history has truly just begun. The world first heard about chrome diopside in 1988 when rumors of a stunning green gem emerged out of northern Siberia. Due to restrictions caused by the Cold War, access to the area had been very limited. However, the market began opening up after the Berlin Wall fell in late1989.
Supplies of chrome diopside have remained limited, though. The weather conditions surrounding chrome diopside mines are so extreme – yearly temperatures average around 4° F, and lows get down to -50° F – that mining schedules must be restricted or conditions become too dangerous for the miners.
Recently no new stones have been coming out of Russia since the Ukraine war. Available Chrome Diopside has been limited to stock already in circulation, or collections. This has caused a supply chain deficit, and prices soaring.
This item can be precious metal wrapped.
Please ask questions
Ilex Unica Designs
Meet the Maker
I have been a small organic farmer here in Pennsylvania for over 40 yrs, raising sheep, poultry, honey bees, and organic fruits and veggies. I have worked & studied gemstones & jewelry design, as well as being a master chef owning my own restaurant. I was raised learning the "old ways" of making daily living items from my Grandmother using what we grew.
How it’s Made
I hand make all my own jewelry with natural gemstones.
Shop Policies
Returns: I must be contacted with 24hrs of receipts of delivery, a return agreement issued, items must be return in original unused condition. Buyer pays return shipping.
