Ideas for finding a nice chrome diopside?

[SparklySasquatch]

Hello,

I am new here so please excuse my relative lack of knowledge about gemstones! However, it now seems that I am being tossed head first into this world!

Please be nice!

For some time, a group of us (family and friends) have been hoping to find a nice piece of chrome diopside jewellery to celebrate an important milestone in the life of a loved one. She is really into gems and sparkly things. The color and Russian origins of (some) of the stones make it the perfect gift.

I think I am looking in all the wrong places because this has become harder than we originally expected and we are definitely going to miss this important milestone.

From what I understand from reading, larger chrome diopsides do not same the same depth of color or quality. It is possible to find something like a 4 carat (or there abouts)? I have seen AAAA or AAA quality 3.5 or 3.85 c on Etsy already placed into pieces (rings) which would be great, but I do not know how reliable these sellers are, do you know what I mean? One seems to have great reviews, but the it just does not sit well with me.

I have come across some lots of smaller stones at some online gem vendors but I am in over my head and do not know reputations of these places.

If anyone has any advice, do you know which sellers often (or remain to stock) chrome diopside or some reliable gem vendors in case a loose stone is the best bet for now? Some of the websites on the "approved" sellers page are no longer active so I am sorry if this all seems redundant.

Has the name for chrome diopside been truly changed and I am looking in all the wrong places? Is there truly less quality on the market now due to an appetite for it in eastern markets? Or is that old news? Been reading a lot and I am as lost as I seem!

Thank you for any help, advice or direction that can be provided.

 

[kenny]

Welcome.

 

[chrono]

In general, chrome diopside is not suitable as a ring stone due to its softness and brittleness. It needs to be worn with care or as an occasional / special wear ring only.

It also has a tendency to become much too dark in larger sizes. I would be careful to make sure the stone doesn't appear blackish at 4 ct sizes. In addition, they tend to be around 2 ct or less so trying to find a rich 4 ct green that isn't overly dark is akin to striking the 1M lottery. It will be a long search.

Note that there is no standardized gemstone grading of AAA, AAAA, and such. This is a terminology set by individual vendors and quality will vary from shop to shop.

 

[whitewave]

I found a sliver at crater of diamonds once while mining for diamonds, and you are right... the color is gorgeous!

 

[SparklySasquatch]

In general, chrome diopside is not suitable as a ring stone due to its softness and brittleness. It needs to be worn with care or as an occasional / special wear ring only.

It also has a tendency to become much too dark in larger sizes. I would be careful to make sure the stone doesn't appear blackish at 4 ct sizes. In addition, they tend to be around 2 ct or less so trying to find a rich 4 ct green that isn't overly dark is akin to striking the 1M lottery. It will be a long search.

Note that there is no standardized gemstone grading of AAA, AAAA, and such. This is a terminology set by individual vendors and quality will vary from shop to shop.

Thank you so very much for this really important information. Very much appreciate it.

Is this what you mean by too dark at a larger size? (It is a ring from an outside website if that is o.k.) It know since it is an auction listing site that the photo is not great quality to really see the stone.

This sounds very stupid but what sort of color should be sought? I see "forest green" highlighted as an "oooh" factor (but I am unsure if that is good or bad) or should it be lighter?

 

[T L]

What is your budget?

Since chrome diopside tends to get darker in larger sizes (and more included), I would get a piece with a cluster of small stones. This will sparkle more as well.

 

[SparklySasquatch]

To be honest, a budget has not been discussed, but know that It will definitely be pricier with it (hopefully) set in gold (at least 14k).

For context, this is what has been seen:

- 1.88 carats in rose gold (or another selection) with .32 c carats diamonds for $1125 USD
- 3.70 carats in yellow gold "with diamond halo" for $952 USD (this seller gives me an uneasy feeling)
- 3.58 carats in 14k rose gold for $1325 USD

There is the really dark one posted above with 14k white gold and diamonds for a little over $2400 USD.

Is this a good idea or should the focus be above/below/similar to these prices? I know it is hard to say without photos.

Edited to add: would a pendant be a better choice or continue to look for a decent ring? Thank you again !!!

 

[T L]

Chrome diopside in those sizes can range from $25 to $50/carat, so I would think of it like you were paying for the setting. Do those settings look like they’re worth those prices?

 

[SparklySasquatch]

This is very illuminating!

So at top rate at $50 per carat at the legendary Loch Ness of 4 ct that is $200 and with 3.5 grams or 3.6 grams of gold which is basically $125 (based on gold calculators online).... it does not seem so with simple settings (small diamond halo or a bigger one).

I do not want to speak badly of any businesses so I am unsure whether to post a photo for sure...but right now, it does not seem the settings are worth it. (From an untrained person.)

 

[T L]

This is very illuminating!

So at top rate at $50 per carat at the legendary Loch Ness of 4 ct that is $200 and with 3.5 grams or 3.6 grams of gold which is basically $125 (based on gold calculators online).... it does not seem so with simple settings (small diamond halo or a bigger one).

I do not want to speak badly of any businesses so I am unsure whether to post a photo for sure...but right now, it does not seem the settings are worth it. (From an untrained person.)

I find that some vendors often put a low cost gem in a low cost setting to rake in large profits because people are not that educated on the worth of gems. It’s often cheaper to first get the stone and then the setting. I’ve been doing that myself for years, unless you can find great clearance sales or second hand buys.

 

[SparklySasquatch]

Thank you so much for your insight. It is truly appreciated and I learned more since the beginning of this post than the time I spent poking around the internet for a chrome diopside.

It seems like locating "that special stone" is the best way to go forward. And I know now that it is best to look smaller.

 

[T L]

Thank you so much for your insight. It is truly appreciated and I learned more since the beginning of this post than the time I spent poking around the internet for a chrome diopside.

It seems like locating "that special stone" is the best way to go forward. And I know now that it is best to look smaller.

I think chrome diopside is a plentiful gem. I saw tons of it at the last gem show, so shop around. If she likes green, Burma or Pakistani peridot, is attractive as well, and affordable in two carat sizes. I’m not sure why you picked chrome diopside, but if Russia has some special significance for the stone, that is the most affordable gem I can think of from that locale.

 

[SparklySasquatch]

I think chrome diopside is a plentiful gem. I saw tons of it at the last gem show, so shop around. If she likes green, Burma or Pakistani peridot, is attractive as well, and affordable in two carat sizes. I’m not sure why you picked chrome diopside, but if Russia has some special significance for the stone, that is the most affordable gem I can think of from that locale.

Very basic question.... and it shows how much of a fish out of water I am ... I am so so so sorry.

Besides diamonds, what other nice stones come from Russia? Is there a list? I came across a lot of rainbow pyrite in my search which I think is nice for a collection, but not jewellery. Correct me if I am wrong!

 

[chrono]

Amethyst used to be highly prized in Russia. Not an everyday ring stone but definitely affordable and easily found in 4 carat sizes.

Demantoid and Alexandrite are well known but also very expensive, not to mention rarely found in the size you are looking for.

I think amber and aqua are also found in Russia?

 

[SparklySasquatch]

Ah yes, the Baltic amber! The hopeful recipient of the eventual gift collects amber pieces.

It seems as if we need to scale down in size.

Very dumb question again - can a very nice looking piece of jewellery be with a smaller sized colored gemstone? Does it come down to depth of color then and how it is set so that it looks fantastic?

 

[T L]

Very basic question.... and it shows how much of a fish out of water I am ... I am so so so sorry.

Besides diamonds, what other nice stones come from Russia? Is there a list? I came across a lot of rainbow pyrite in my search which I think is nice for a collection, but not jewellery. Correct me if I am wrong!

Russia is most famous for alexandrite and demantoid. These gems are found in much of the Royal pieces of the Romanov Dynasty. However, they are very expensive, especially alexandrite.

I’m echoing @chrono , but Russia has many gems. It also has some beautiful emeralds (another green gem, but pricey).

 

[SparklySasquatch]

I have come across some demantoids in my search overall. They are beautiful!

If searching for something like an engagement ring or a big "wow" piece rather than the marker of an anniversary of a special event (not wedding, not marriage, not birth), the pricier stones would be so nice to consider.

I am not sure we are going to find a "glamour piece" in the chrome diopside world. Probably best like you said to find some smaller ones and make a cluster.

This is one that has shown up in past searching (feel uneasy about as I do not use this sort of site ever and some concerns) but it seems odd to me to see white solid "fill" in the prong area of the setting. Is that normal?

 

[T L]

Demantoids are very expensive in anything above a carat, and if they’re clean Russian material with a pretty green color, then they’re at least $500 for a half carat stone. Some can be as much as $3500 for a one carat gem. . I go for Namibian stones myself, as I like the mintier green color, but even they can be pricey. However, they’re a relative bargain next to Russian material. The Russian stones are more of a deep green with a slight yellow modifier, but some can be bluish green. This is my Namibian demantoid ring collection. The small round ring is Russian (65 points), and the loose cushion is a Namibian 55 pointer (haven’t set it yet). They’re glitter balls. The largest stone is 2.4 carats. Ignore the blue stone (not Namibian or Russian or a demantoid).

I’ve seen some large, clean and vibrant diopside at the gem show, but not much online. The ring you picked out is nice for the setting, but the stone is kind of muddy green.

 

[SparklySasquatch]

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Your pieces in the photo are very beautiful, TL! They certainly pack a punch for their size.

It is all so very much true that finding a nice CD online is difficult. Some items look "too good to be true" with their size and stated clarity. For instance, 11 cts or larger of CD from an online auction place based in India claiming clarity, colour etc.

Further, I do not know what to do with vendors such as this because the image does not show angles, stone seems overpriced based on listed price per carat (especially at full price) and I do not know the reputation of this vendor.

Sigh....it would be wonderful to attend a gem show! It must be fantastic! I made a quick search of gem shows in Canada and most vendors sold beads and healing crystals!

Let me finally say thank for posting those photos. I appreciate that you took the time to upload the photo and continue being patience with my very beginner questions.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

It's smaller sized but this dealer has a few loose stones. I don't know if thats big/wow enough, but it's really beautiful.

Chrome Diopside / Siberlite – Siberia, Russia 0.91 Ct

Ravenstein Gem Co. | Natural untreated precision faceted gemstones: topaz, danburite, demantoid, oregon sunstone, moldavite, apatite, sapphire, amethyst, tourmaline, garnet, beryl, zircon, andalusite, peridot, aquamarine, montebrasite, chrome diopside... | Gem rough for cutting | Investment...

ravenstein-germany.com

* they actually have many nicely faceted stones. They have demantoids etc. as well.

 

[SparklySasquatch]

It's smaller sized but this dealer has a few loose stones. I don't know if thats big/wow enough, but it's really beautiful.

Chrome Diopside / Siberlite – Siberia, Russia 0.91 Ct

Ravenstein Gem Co. | Natural untreated precision faceted gemstones: topaz, danburite, demantoid, oregon sunstone, moldavite, apatite, sapphire, amethyst, tourmaline, garnet, beryl, zircon, andalusite, peridot, aquamarine, montebrasite, chrome diopside... | Gem rough for cutting | Investment...

ravenstein-germany.com

* they actually have many nicely faceted stones. They have demantoids etc. as well.

Thank you for sharing this link! If these are nice quality (I know nothing, groan) there is one that looks like it can be made "fancy" with a nice setting.

I see CD listed on Gem Rock Auctions and they have "natural inclusion pattern" listed on a lot of them. Inclusions are not so good in this case, correct?

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Thank you for sharing this link! If these are nice quality (I know nothing, groan) there is one that looks like it can be made "fancy" with a nice setting.

I see CD listed on Gem Rock Auctions and they have "natural inclusion pattern" listed on a lot of them. Inclusions are not so good in this case, correct?

It depends on if there are feathers that are surface reaching or on the very edges of the stone, stones being cracked or internal cavities. Most inclusions are microscopic or small(look eye clean) and do not infect integrity.
If it is included in a way that is displeasing or obvious, don't buy that gem. There are many flawless to eye clean options in this material.
Chrome diopside should be relatively inclusion free under 3ct, but minor inclusions are not a deal breaker in an eye clean stone. You should be able to find one that is entirely free of any issues.
It also is not a hard stone and and is risky to wear everyday without care. And you're right, it is hard to find online options-I'm not coming up with too many examples that don't almost entirely black out. You may want to reach out to a gemstone vendor and ask for them to source some. There is a sticky/thread of dealers that people tend to have mostly good experiences with.

List of Vendors For Reference

Please do not comment in this thread. Ella is going to replace the old sticky thread with this one. Please do not leave comments on this thread! These are the list of vendors that some people have had a good experience with. Your experience may not be the same. Please search the vendor in this...

www.pricescope.com

This ring is nice but it's at a bit of a premium. The bezel setting would help protect the stone a little better than prongs would.

Chrome Diopside 9mm 2.25 Carats Three Stone Bezel 14K Yellow Gold Ring W/ .60 Carats of Diamonds Available in Rose White Gold 6 Grams 3008 - Etsy

This Engagement Rings item by mastergoldcraft has 22 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from San Diego, CA. Listed on Jan 11, 2024

www.etsy.com

 

[T L]

Thank you!! IMHO, a nice demantoid is much prettier than my still camera photos can show,. They look like green diamonds. The luster and fire are amazing. Chrome diopside can be a pretty color, but the RI is low, so they can end up looking glass like if not cut or polished well. You may be able to find a demantoid band ring with tiny ones, like small diamond size for an affordable price if you can’t find a diopside. Forget about alexandrite as a Russian option, as even the ugly gems are expensive, and the gorgeous ones are to the stratosphere expensive.

This is a good example of the dispersion, but this is Namibian, the Russian stones are greener typically, but some Russian material looks like this. This is not top color, but it is top dispersion.

Tucson Todd’s Gems on Instagram: "When I say you don’t want to miss checking out our booth this year at the @pueblogemshow I’m not joking! Unfiltered beauty in this absolutely top grade demantoid garnet that is going into one of @maryvanderaa_officia

225 likes, 16 comments - tucsontoddsgems on January 18, 2022: "When I say you don’t want to miss checking out our booth this year at the @pueblogemshow I’m not joking! Unfiltered beauty in this absolutely top grade demantoid garnet that is going into one of @maryvanderaa_official newest platinum...

www.instagram.com

If you’re still after a diopside, I would still do a cluster style ring, as it seems hard to find larger stones that aren’t muddy green and/or glassy.

 

[SparklySasquatch]

Thank you everyone for such great advice ! It has truly been an education and I kick myself that I did not sign up earlier. It seemed as if, to me, PScope was a place of really educated people about gems and my lack of knowledge would be basically annoying.

I am going to talk to the group of us working on this gift. We will definitely miss the important date but there are options now.

First choice is leaning on a demantoid. To see the brilliance of them, even in a small size, I think is fitting for the person and gift, that an increase in proposed price is not a problem. This is one of those cases where if it was an engagement ring or a 25 th wedding anniversary or whatnot that the pocket book could be opened. (This is a medical anniversary.)

In the background, I will reach out to vendors to see what pops up for chrome diopside OR find a lot of nicer, smaller stones for the cluster. That will be another thread full of questions at another time !

Lastly, in all these searches, I have come across all kinds of odd stones that are found in some amount in Russia. Heliodor, barite, titanite, euclase. . . might not be the perfect idea but it is something.

I think I am now a newbie gem disciple. It is all so interesting! Thank you!

 

[T L]

I had to post this video!!! Good luck on your design/purchase. I know nothing about this jeweler, but that stone! Gahhhh! Love!!!

 

[rosethorn]

CRD on Etsy has quite a few gems of Russian origin, including a couple pieces that are already made. At a quick glance, I saw Russian emeralds, demantoids, and even a couple of chrome diopside.

Not sure what style your loved one favors, but this ring is spectacular:

 

[SparklySasquatch]

WOW! What a ring ! I need to look at that shop !

I am unsure if I need to start another thread since this is NOT a chrome diopside question, but a demantoid question. It is very simple !

What is the difference between a regular (and I use this term loosely) Russian demantoid and a polar demantoid? Is it a matter of geography of where the gem was mined/sources or do polar demantoids have less quality or different characteristics?

 

[T L]

WOW! What a ring ! I need to look at that shop !

I am unsure if I need to start another thread since this is NOT a chrome diopside question, but a demantoid question. It is very simple !

What is the difference between a regular (and I use this term loosely) Russian demantoid and a polar demantoid? Is it a matter of geography of where the gem was mined/sources or do polar demantoids have less quality or different characteristics?

I think that’s a new discovery of demantoid, and demantoid to my knowledge have significant deposits in the following countries:

Russia (Urals)
Namibia
Madagascar
Iran
Pakistan

The finest quality come from Russia (Ural Mountain location) with Iran being a close second. I haven’t seen much polar material, but what I have seen is sold at a higher price I think due to hype. I would stick with material from the locations above. I like Namibian stones myself because in their best qualities, they look a beautiful minty bluish green with high dispersion (like the video of the ring I posted). You will pay a premium for Russian material, even if it looks like Namibian. Russian and Iranian material tend to have more of a pure green color, and in the finest quality, can be a neon green, although those are less dispersive. They both have horsetail inclusions, which are strangely highly coveted because that used to be a sign of Russian origin, but Iranian material has them too. Just be careful not to be tricked into purchasing a stone with so many horsetails that they impede sparkle.

Here’s examples of Iranian material.

Demantoid Garnet (Shahram) (@demantoid_garnet_iran) • Instagram photos and videos

instagram.com

… and Russian

Demantoid•Emerald•Alexandrite (@russiandemantoid) • Instagram photos and videos

instagram.com

I have not purchased anything from the linked vendors.

 

[T L]

Ok, here’s the Polar material, which looks Namibian to me. More of a minty color vs a chrome green like the famed Ural deposits. This is Siberian. I would not pay a super high premium for Russian origin like this unless the price was near Namibian high quality. Gorgeous gems though.

Ravenstein Gem Co. LLC on Instagram: "POLAR DEMANTOID. New 2020 discovery from the polar region of Siberia, Russia. These are typical examples of faceted gems. Medium saturated "cold" green color accented by amazing ice blue fire (light dispersion).

110 likes, 2 comments - ravenstein_gem_co on January 25, 2021: "POLAR DEMANTOID. New 2020 discovery from the polar region of Siberia, Russia. These are typical examples of faceted gems. Medium saturated "cold" green color accented by amazing ice blue fire (light dispersion). We are currently in...

www.instagram.com

 

[T L]

Here’s an excellent video on Russian demantoid color grades.