The Chalcedony Ring
&
Agate Rings
The chalcedony ring features many different types of gemstones which are all forms of cryptocrystalline quartz. These chalcedony gemstones are used to create beautiful yet affordable rings such as agate rings, jasper rings, and rings made with carnelian or chrysoprase. If you are searching for a unique, affordable, and durable gemstone wedding ring, you may be interested in a chalcedony ring. Below you will find the properties of chalcedony and the different types of chalcedony including a price guide and info on enhancements and special care for each type of chalcedony. Chalcedony Properties: Durability = Very Good
Hardness = 7.0
Refractive Index = 1.544 - 1.533
Specific Gravity = 2.651
Types of Chalcedony: Agate: Agate is a form of multi-colored chalcedony, and the many different types of agate are named after their color characteristics and designs. Banded agate, especially the blue banded agate, is a popular form of agate which is often featured in agate rings. This type of agate has a soft white color which is interrupted by pale to dark colored bands. Lace agate has delicate lace-like color patterns and, when featured in agate rings, form especially beautiful and feminine designs. Moss agate is a form of agate which has soft feathery moss-like patterns within the stone. Some of the more popular moss agate ring styles are created out of a soft white agate which has pale to dark green feathered patterns on the stone. Black onyx agate is agate which has been artificially dyed to create a pure black onyx look. Black onyx agate rings are the most common form of onyx found in black onyx rings. Agate Enhancements: Most forms of agate, with the exception of lace agate, are usually dyed to bring out colors, form new colors, or improve existing colors in the stone. This type of enhancement has an excellent stability rating, and the stones require no special care after they have received this treatment. Agate which has been dyed should be labeled as 'D' agate. Special Care: Agate is an extremely durable stone, and agate rings require no special care. Agate Price Guide: As a general rule, agate gemstones which feature striking and unique color patterns naturally without dye are usually priced higher than dyed enhanced agate. Small to large sized agate gemstones are on the market for less than $20.00 dollars; finer specimens of agate which have been custom cut, feature beautiful colors, or which have not been enhanced are priced in the $100 - $200 dollar price range, and these higher quality gemstones are often used for the purposes of unique agate engagement or wedding rings. Jasper: Jasper rings are created from chalcedony which has a clear, solid, or varied color pattern. There are many different types of Jasper which are named after their colors and patterns including: bloodstone, lemon, leopardskin, and poppy. Jasper Enhancements: Jasper is only occasionally dyed, (labeled with a D); this type of enhancement has an excellent stability rating, and the stone requires no special care after it has been treated. Special Care: Jasper has a very high degree of durability, and jasper rings require no special care. Jasper Price Guide: Exceptional custom cut forms of jasper are extremely affordable and priced in the $5.00 - $20.00 dollar price range. Carnelian: Carnelian is a form of chalcedony which is found in red colored tones ranging from dark red, red-black, red-brown, to red-orange. Carnelian Enhancements: Most forms of carnelian have been heat treated (labeled E or H) to produce deeper and more consistent red colors; heat treatment in carnelian has an excellent stability rating and does not require any special care. Some carnelians are dyed (labeled D), but this type of treatment only has a good to fair stability rating as the stone's dyed color may fade when exposed to light or heat. For the purposes of wedding rings and engagement rings, dyed carnelian rings should be avoided. Special Care: Carnelian is one of the softer varieties of chalcedony, and as a result it has often been used to create cameo-like gemstone images. Chalcedony rings should be made with a quality protective setting for the gemstone; exposure to hard knocks and harsh chemicals should be avoided as well. Carnelian Price Guide: Quality carnelian gemstones may be found for less than $5.00 dollars even for unenhanced stones of exceptional color and cut. Chrysoprase: Chrysoprase is a beautiful apple green variety of chalcedony. Chrysoprase Enhancements: Chrysoprase does not currently receive any form of enhancements. Price Guide: Very fine quality, almost jade-like, chrysoprase is priced on average between $20.00 - $30.00 dollars. Other less expensive forms of chrysoprase can be found for less than $20.00 dollars, but the green colors in these more affordable stones are usually not of a high quality. Special Care: Chrysoprase is extremely durable and requires no special care. Chrysocolla Chalcedony: Chrysocolla Chalcedony, also known as 'Gem Silica' is a beautiful almost turquoise colored variety of chalcedony. This type of chalcedony ring is perfect if you love the turquoise color, but you need a gemstone that will stand up to daily wear (turquoise is not durable enough for daily wear in rings). Chrysocolla Enhancements: Chrysocolla is not currently enhanced. Chrysocolla Price Guide: Chrysocolla is one of the more rarer forms of chalcedony and fine gemstones of this type are usually priced between $50.00 - $100.00 dollars. Special Care: Chrysocolla is very durable and requires no special care. Picture Stones: Picture stones, also known as picture agate, picture jasper, and picture chalcedony, are gemstones which have patterns and colors that imitate scenes from nature. Some picture stones contain images which resemble trees in the wilderness, snow covered mountains with blue skis, or desert scenes. Due to their rarity picture stones are often priced upwards of $200 dollars or more, but for the natural beauty which is captured in these stones the price of this type of chalcedony ring is definitely worth it. Blue Chalcedony: While a chalcedony ring is available in almost any color imaginable, blue chalcedony is mentioned here because of its particular popularity for use in gemstone rings. Light blue to dark blue chalcedony is very beautiful, and the finer specimens seem to have their own inner glow. Enhancements: Blue chalcedony is occasionally dyed to bring out darker blue colors, but this type of enhancement has only a good to fair stability rating as the stone's color may fade when exposed to sunlight or heat. For the purposes of engagement or wedding rings, it is best to stick with unenhanced blue chalcedony. Blue Chalcedony Price Guide: A blue chalcedony ring may be found for less than $30.00 dollars, but the higher quality blue chalcedony and more cherished darker blue chalcedony varieties are often priced near $100.00 dollars. Special Treatment: Blue chalcedony is very durable and requires no special treatment. Meaning of Chalcedony: Chalcedony is believed to be a gemstone with superior healing qualities as it absorbs and negates negative physical and emotional energies. Jasper is the classic birthstone for the month of March. Agate is the classic birthstone for the month of May. Carnelian is the classic birthstone for the month of August. Chalcedony Shopping Tips: If you are looking for a chalcedony ring, there is a huge variety of rings with this gemstone on today's market. However, if you would like a beautiful and unique gemstone engagement ring or wedding ring, it is important to find a quality made ring which features a durable and protective set gemstone. Unfortunately due to the extremely low prices of chalcedony, shoppers will frequently come across rings which have beautiful affordable gemstones but the overall quality of the ring is poor; in time, while the gemstone may last forever, the setting usually breaks and the metal band becomes warped. To help you find a quality chalcedony ring, look for rings which feature gemstones with custom cuts, quality settings, and which are created with high quality metals such as platinum, titanium, tungsten, gold, or palladium. You can expect to pay more for these features, but your ring and gemstone will stand up to the test of time and may be passed down to future generations. Always deal with reputable sellers, ask the seller about any enhancements the gemstone has received, make sure you get a refund policy with your purchase, and have an independent local jeweler evaluate the ring for quality and authenticity. Through these tips - you will be sure to protect yourself as a buyer and to find a beautiful, durable, and long lasting chalcedony ring.
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