Can you help ID this stone?

[VickieS]

Hi all
I inherited this ring recently and have no idea what it is except pretty! It seems to change from purple to magenta pink depending on lighting; indoors or under flash very pink, outdoors purple. I think it is set in silver due to what appears to be oxidation in the setting, but the rest of it was not tarnished, so not sure. Unfortunately the marks are on the ring are hard to read. I believe it is a natural gemstone , but really have no idea. How do I figure out if this is a natural gemstone and if it is what type of stone is it? Thanks in advance! Vickie

 

[PrecisionGem]

Looks to be a Rhodolite Garnet. That's typical behavior for rhodolite. However, it's really impossible to ID a stone from a photo.

 

[VickieS]

Thank you! I would like to have an idea what it is so I can care for the stone properly.
Happy new year!

 

[LD]

As you inherited it, I'm assuming there's some age to the piece? If so, it could well be synthetic corundum. Any stone that changes colour ie blue/purple, purple/pink etc., may be this type of material. It's quite common to find in vintage pieces. As Gene has said however there's no way to ID from a photo but if the stone has lasted this long then it's clearly durable! To clean it, I would simply use a baby's toothbrush and some gentle soap and tepid water. That's always best if you're unusure how to care for a gemstone.

 

[VickieS]

Thank you for your insights. The stone/ring could have origin in many places, as my family immigrated from Southeast Asia through Europe to the US in the 1950s. I love the color and setting; I think I may be getting the CS bug now! Thank you for letting me know how best to care for the stone be it imitation or not. It's very special to me as it reminds me of a wonderful lady.

 

[chrono]

The change is very obvious and full. It also looks to have minimal wear and tear. Is the stone very clean internally? That might clue you in as to whether it is real or a synthetic. It is very large and the setting so pretty. Not knowing what it is, it is best to be safe and just use warm soapy water.

 

[ChrisA222]

Synthetic Corrundum is my guess...

 

[Lee Little]

That would be my guess too, synthetic Corundum but I like the idea of it being a Garnet! Both could be very clean inside.

 

[minousbijoux]

I can't wait until someone shows up here with an inherited stone that turns out to be a rare and huge colored diamond, or a true Russian alexandrite, or a real paraiba, or a...

OP: I mean no disrespect to you and hope that your stone is whatever you wish it to be. Personally, I'm rooting for it to be a garnet.