What's to LOVE about Peacock Aquaprase™?

 

PEACOCK AQUAPRASE™, DEEP SEA BLUE TOPAZ™ AND NUDE DIAMONDS™ BRACELET

Style #: SVHW 74

 

What's to LOVE about Peacock Aquaprase, the newest gem on earth?  It is unique. It is natural. And it just makes you feel good! 

If you are looking for a gemstone where each and every gem is special, Peacock Aquaprase is the perfect choice! Every gem is natural and has a different unique look! No two are alike! What else make this gem so popular? The unique combinations of color and matrix -  reminiscent of waves crashing on a beach - gives this gem a soothing beach-like feel you can wear and admire every day. 

Even a new gem like Aquaprase™ can have metaphysical properties! Some people find that Aquaprase can reduce depression and lessen the cravings for carbohydrate-heavy foods. Others say Aquaprase has its own temperament! Yianni Melas, who discovered this natural gem, says that Aquaprase reacts to the weather by displaying itself differently according to its natural surroundings.

 

What is Aquaprase?

Aquaprase™ is the newest gem discovery on earth and the first new gemstone discovery of the 21st Century. This new variety of Chalcedony (microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline quartz), Aquaprase displays colors, patterns and variations in transparency entirely unlike other varieties of Chalcedony. Each and every stone is entirely unique – patterns are not repetitive! - giving each stone its own power and personality.

 

Rough Aquaprase

ROUGH AQUAPRASE

 

Gemologists employing an analytical method called Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence or EDXRF found that the cool hues of Aquaprase™ are likely caused by much higher chromium content than other yellow -green and blue-green varieties of Chalcedony.

 

 

A TRIO OF PEACOCK AQUAPRASE RINGS FROM THE LE VIAN LUXURY BOUTIQUE COLLECTION

Style# SVGX 1; Style# SVGM 36; Style# SVGM 38

 

When Was Aquaprase Discovered?

In 2013, Legendary gem explorer Yianni Melas discovered a new and unique gem in Africa, a previously undiscovered deposit of blue-green chalcedony.   Melas recognized something special and different about the stone, something unlike any other variety of chalcedony he had seen in his lifetime.

Various opinions about the true nature of the stone had previously been expressed by miners and others who saw it. Some suggested it was Chrysoprase, others even surmised it may be Opal. After several years of studying the discovery, Melas submitted samples to several gem labs, including the Gemological Institute of America. 

After intensive study and testing by the lab, Melas received a call confirming that he had, in fact, found “something incredible.”  It was NOT a Chrysoprase or Opal. The lab informed Melas that his discovery was a new type of chalcedony that had never been seen by the lab before.

 

How was Aquaprase Named?

Melas was informed that he had the opportunity to actually name the discovery of this new gem. Because the blue-green color of the gem reminded him of the lush, verdant vegetation as well as the cool blue of the Aegean Sea near his homeland in Greece, Melas wanted a name that was reminiscent of those natural surroundings.  After all, the color of Aquaprase is entirely natural – no treatments or enhancements are applied to it. The name Aquaprase was born and trademarked.  Ultimately, in a cooperative arrangement with Le Vian, the highest quality Aquaprase with the most beautiful colors and patterns are hand selected to be cut into Le Vian Peacock Aquaprase.  

 

 AQUAPRASE FOR MEN

PEACOCK AQUAPRASE RINGS FOR MEN

LEFT: Style# SVII 21; RIGHT: Style# SVII 16

 

How to Care for Your Aquaprase

Peacock Aquaprase is a completely natural-color variety of chalcedony. Because it is so new, there are many questions about caring for this gem like "Is it as delicate as certain other translucent stones like opal?"

Peacock Aquaprase is substantially more durable than opal.  You can confidently clean Peacock Aquaprase with a soft toothbrush and clean, unscented alcohol without any concern that it will cause damage.  

It is to important to note that we do not recommend immersion or cleaning in ultrasonic cleaners. Why? The matrix visible in many Peacock Aquaprase sometimes contains small cavities filled with colorless drusy quartz crystals which can be somewhat porous. There is a potential for dirty or artificially colored cleaning solutions to enter these small cavities and cause greying or other discoloration. We also advise against the use of steamers because of the potential to damage or dislodge sensitive accent stones.

As with all gems, always avoid rough wear, excessive heat and exposure to chemicals.