Rose Quartz - International Colored Gemstone Association (2024)

Rose Quartz - International Colored Gemstone Association (2)Rose Quartz - International Colored Gemstone Association (3)

By Carol Besler

Rose Quartz is in Fashion!

Rose Quartz is having a moment of glory in the jewelry world, and its popularity seems to be here to stay.

In 2016, the Pantone Color Institute named it one of its top two colors of the year, along with “serenity,” a light blue shade. Rose Quartz has endured as a top fashion color well into 2017, and it remains on the list of Pantone’s top ten colors for 2017 – it is also referred to as “dusty spring.”

The fashion world abounds with praise for pink. A recent article on fashionista.com says, “you would have to be colorblind to question whether we are knee-deep in a Rose-Quartz-everything era.” The story predicts the color will be around for some time. The fashion section of The New York Times proclaimed, “The high fashion world is cringing as its favorite black is pushed aside by the mass success of pink.”

Rose Quartz - International Colored Gemstone Association (4)

1. Rose-colored tulle dress from the Dior Haute Couture Spring Summer 2017 show. 2. Draped dress in a shade of pink from the Dior Haute Couture Spring Summer 2017 show.

The Allure of Rose Quartz

All of this publicity is boosting the reputation of Rose Quartz, which was long overlooked in favor of more saturated colored gemstones. Of course, it isn’t the only pink gemstone out there, but compared to most, including, Pink Sapphire, it is certainly the most affordable. Morganite also enjoyed a moment due to the popularity of pink, and it is more transparent than Rose Quartz, with a higher color saturation.

However, its price has recently soared. According to Bangkok gem dealer Navneet Agarwal, from Navneet Gems, the demand for Morganite resulted in a surge in price that has people turning to Rose Quartz instead. “Morganite [a pink variety of beryl] has been hot the past few years, because of its color and because it was named after [financier] J.P. Morgan,” he says. “But because of its surge in popularity, the price shot up.” This, he says, paved the way for the demand for Rose Quartz, which is priced reasonably for standard sizes.

Rose Quartz has a comparable pink color, but softer and more cloudy in appearance than Morganite – something that is preferred in jewelry at the moment. Softer tones of other gems, such as Amethyst, are also on trend. Rose Quartz is also slightly softer than other pink gems – 7 on the Moh’s scale compared to Morganite’s 7.5 to 8 and Pink Sapphire’s 9 – but it is more abundant, which makes it more affordable, and it is a beautiful gemstone in its own right.

Quartz, a Favorite of Jewelry Designers

Quartz is the chameleon of all gemstones. Depending on the geological factors contributing to its formation and the impurities present in the crystals, gem quality Quartz can be found in many different colors and varieties. Many of these are known by names other than Quartz: Citrine, Amethyst, Chrysoprase, Onyx, Chalcedony and more.

For example, the purple-to-lilac color of the Amethyst variety is created by traces of iron and manganese. The yellow to golden-yellow color of transparent Citrine is due to traces of iron. The primary element in Rose Quartz is titanium, but mineralogists believe that iron and manganese also play a role in its color.

Rose Quartz - International Colored Gemstone Association (5)

1. Chain with stations of rose quartz and citrine, by Marco Bicego. 2. Roberto Coin co*cktail necklace in 18k rose gold with a doublet of rose quartz and mother of pearl with diamonds. us.robertocoin.com

Did You Know?

In terms of lore, Rose Quartz is the gemstone of love. It is believed to promote romantic love, fertility, sexuality and energy. Wearing it is said to relieve anger, tension, guilt grief and fear, making the wearer look years younger. It dispels negativity, promotes calmness and reassurance, reduces high blood pressure and speeds overall healing.

In addition to being a January birthstone, Rose Quartz is also the gemstone of the fifth wedding anniversary.

Science

Rose Quartz has a delicate pink color that ranges from nearly white to a deep rose-pink. Microscopic mineral inclusions give it a cloudy translucence, however, and it is rarely highly saturated. The most appealing color typically occurs in larger sizes, and small Rose Quartz specimens with good color tend to be rare. Cutters can intensify the delicate color by applying concave facets to gems in larger sizes. Occasionally a star pink Quartz is found, when inclusions of rutile are dense enough to create a weak six-rayed star phenomenon.

Fully transparent pink Quartz is rare; the gems are usually cloudy and pale except in large sizes, so they are generally used for beads, cabochons and carvings rather than co*cktail rings or pendants. In ancient times, Rose Quartz was used to carve crystal balls: perhaps to induce a rosy outlook?

Quartz is a member of the silicates, the largest of all mineral groups, and is composed of silicon and oxygen. The name stems from the German Quarz, which in turn comes from the Slavic word kwardy, meaning “hard.” Rose Quartz is found in rock formations called pegmatites, an igneous rock composed of interlocking crystals.

It is sourced in Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, and in the U.S. state of Maine, but the finest specimens are mined in Brazil. In the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, there are deposits of what some in the trade call pink crystalline Quartz, which is more deeply saturated and more transparent than its sister, Rose Quartz. Pink Quartz is found in the vein systems inside phosphorus-rich pegmatites and has a slightly different origin and composition of trace elements.

TOP IMAGE: 1. Rose-colored tulle dress from the Dior Haute Couture Spring Summer 2017 show. 2. Roberto Coin co*cktail earrings in 18k yellow gold with a doublet rose quartz and mother of pearl. us.robertocoin.com. 3. Rose quartz and amethyst necklace by Marco Bicego. 4. Faceted rose quartz ring by Marco Bicego. 5. Rosy dress from the Dior Haute Couture Spring Summer 2017 show.

As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in gemstones and jewelry, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, backed by hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the industry. My expertise extends to the nuances of gemstone popularity, market trends, and the technical aspects that make each gem unique.

Now, let's delve into the various concepts covered in the provided article:

  1. Rose Quartz in Fashion: Rose Quartz has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly in the jewelry world. Recognized by the Pantone Color Institute in 2016 as one of the top colors of the year, its influence has extended well into 2017. Referred to as "dusty spring," Rose Quartz continues to be a prominent fashion color. Its prevalence has been noted in high-profile publications such as The New York Times and fashionista.com, indicating a sustained trend.

  2. Allure of Rose Quartz: The article highlights the growing reputation of Rose Quartz, emphasizing its affordability compared to other pink gemstones like Morganite. The surge in demand for Morganite led to a price increase, making Rose Quartz a more attractive and reasonably priced alternative. The gem's softer and cloudier appearance, coupled with its affordability, has contributed to its current popularity in jewelry.

  3. Quartz, a Favorite of Jewelry Designers: Quartz is a versatile gemstone known for its varied colors and varieties. Gem quality Quartz comes in different forms such as Citrine, Amethyst, Chrysoprase, Onyx, and more, depending on geological factors and impurities. The article underscores Quartz's chameleon-like nature, adapting to different conditions to produce a wide range of gem varieties.

  4. Did You Know? (Rose Quartz Lore): Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Rose Quartz is associated with lore and symbolism. It is considered the gemstone of love, believed to promote romantic love, fertility, and positive energy. Wearing Rose Quartz is said to have various therapeutic effects, including relieving tension, promoting calmness, and reducing high blood pressure. Additionally, the gemstone holds significance as a January birthstone and is associated with the fifth wedding anniversary.

  5. Science of Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz exhibits a delicate pink color with varying intensities. Microscopic mineral inclusions contribute to its cloudy translucence, and fully transparent specimens are rare. The gem belongs to the Quartz family, the largest mineral group, composed of silicon and oxygen. It is sourced from various locations worldwide, with the finest specimens often originating from Brazil.

  6. Geographical Sources of Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz is found in rock formations called pegmatites, and it is sourced from locations such as Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, and the U.S. state of Maine. The article notes that the highest quality specimens are mined in Brazil, particularly in the state of Minas Gerais. In this region, there are deposits of pink crystalline Quartz that are more deeply saturated and transparent than typical Rose Quartz.

In conclusion, Rose Quartz's resurgence in the fashion and jewelry industry is driven by factors such as affordability, aesthetic appeal, and its association with positive symbolism. The article provides a comprehensive overview of its current prominence and the broader context of Quartz as a diverse and beloved gemstone in the world of jewelry design.

Rose Quartz - International Colored Gemstone Association (2024)
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