Dioptase crystal pendant gemstone necklace in 925 sterling silver

image shows a close up of the diopside pendant, it is a green gemstone set in textured silverwith two loops at the top which are connected to a silver chain
the diopside pendant held up to the light, it is a deep teal green colour and semi transparent
photo shows the back of the diopside pendant, it is open back bezel set with a tectured silver bezel surface and you can see the diopside clearly from the back
image shows the dioptase crystal pendant from the front; it has two loops where the bail is on which is attached a silver chain
side profile photo of the dioptase crystal gemstone pendant, showing the texture silver metal bezel in which the dioptase has been set into - the texture is fine minute lines all the way around the metal, giving a shimmering effect
image shows the full length of the dioptase crystal necklace, the pendant is very small and is attached to a sterling silver trace chain
photo of the dioptase pendant necklace being worn on a model, it reaches to the lower neck/ upper chest area and is contemporary and understated in appearance.

Rare tiny dioptase pendant crystal necklace handmade in 925 sterling silver

£ 150.00       One available, complimentary shipping included. 

A collector's gemstone that is very rare to see set into jewellery, this exquisite tiny little deep green natural dioptase came to me in its rough crystal form. Through careful shaping and smoothing by hand, I managed to get it into the general circular shape I felt would best bring out its beauty, though with dioptase you can't go too far as it's quite a temperamental and delicate stone to work with. After a careful final fingertip polish, it was securely enclosed in my special hand textured solid sterling silver.

I'm passionate about working with rare natural gemstones such as dioptase, and this vibrant energy comes through in the design and feel of the pendant; it's beautifully understated, but flows with nature inspired swirls and curious personality too, mesmerizing all who see it.

I've attached this one of a kind pendant on to a solid 925 sterling silver chain so you can wear it straight away, and as this is a handmade artisan item, the photos show you the exact item you'll receive.

Pendant size (including bail):  tiny small,  10mm x 7mm

Necklace Chain Length:   47cm   (18.1/2 inches)

Gemstone: Dioptase 

Gemstone Size:  4mm round (approx)

Gemstone Treatment:  untreated, natural

Gemstone Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo

Gemstone Hardness: quite soft, 5 on the MOHS scale. Dioptase has perfect cleavage, which means a very hard sharp knock may potentially crack the stone. Suitable for occasional wear.

Technical: gemstone cut and polished in UK and pendant handmade in UK. No electrical or machine powered machines were used in the creation of this pendant. (Please note the chain the pendant is attached to is made in Italy). 

Care: handmade from solid sterling silver, and due to the delicate natural of the intricate silver wire work should always be worn and handled with gentleness and care. 


Dioptase Gemstone Knowledge

Almost impossible to find set into jewellery due to it's small crystal size and softness, dioptase is a vibrant copper mineral known for its stunning and intense forest green to bluish-green colour, with crystals generally transparent to translucent.

Dioptase has a high luster but brittle nature, making this beautiful crystal unfortunately quite difficult to cut and polish, let alone set into jewellery. The mineral is believed to gets its name from the Greek words "dia" and "optima," which mean "through" and "appearance," respectively, referencing its transparency.

The formation process is quite complex and involves a chemical reaction of copper minerals to the presence of oxygenated water. To begin, primary copper minerals are present in the geological environment. Over time, geological processes lead to the exposure of these primary copper minerals to oxygen in the atmosphere. This oxidation process transforms the primary copper minerals into what are called secondary copper minerals. These oxidized copper minerals undergo leaching, where water containing oxygen and other elements travels through the rock, dissolving and transporting copper ions. The copper ions interact with any silicate minerals in the surrounding rock. Dioptase crystals now have the right conditions to grow as a result of these reactions. The specific conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and the availability of certain elements, influence the crystallization of dioptase, and under suitable conditions, dioptase begin to crystallize, forming its distinctive green crystals.

Dioptase is a beautiful gemstone that is perfect for anyone who wants somethings remarkably different than the more mainstream green gemstones you see such as emerald or peridot. It's a gem that's adored around the world for it's rarity when set into jewels, and bursts with a truly distinctive deep blue-green shade that is unique to this stone. Whether you are already a collector of stunning minerals, or have simply fallen in love with this fascinating gem, dioptase enchants all who see it, and owning a piece set into jewellery is a rare opportunity.

Care: Due to its soft and brittle nature, dioptase is not suitable for daily wear, and is best left for special occasions. When not being worn, keep dioptase stored in a dark place so it doesn't fade in prolonged natural light, and also away from other gemstones so that it doesn't get scratched. Try and avoid using silver polishes and abrasives near it as they may damage the surface.