Carnelian Drop and Fire Opal Necklace

Necklace #83

Length 16.5″

This lovely necklace boasts orange all around accented with fire opals, and black spinel all faceted for extra sparkle.  The tear drop focal stands out because of its slightly lighter orange color against the bold dark orange of the faceted 4mm featured carnelian beads.  Gold-filled spacers and lobster clasp are a perfect match.

A note about Carnelian – Quartz or Chalcedony (pronounced kal-sedny)

Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony, which is a micro-crystalline form of quartz.  It is also referred to as a type of agate, as agate is a banded form of chalcedony.  Carnelian can be considered both a chalcedony (a type of quartz) and when banded, a type of agate. Carnelian is typically a solid color (red, orange or reddish-brown) without banding, while agate is characterized by its banded patterns.

Most Carnelian on the market has been heat treated to deepen the natural orange color which is typically more light orange to dirty yellow.  The high temperatures cause the iron oxide impurities within the stone to react, intensifying the red tones.

According to The Natural Gemstone Company, “Historical Resonance: Throughout ancient civilizations, the deeper red varieties of carnelian were particularly esteemed, often linked with nobility and power.  These darker shades were thought to embody the essence of blood, symbolizing vitality and energy.”