Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist – September 2019

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 37

How much does it cost?
Reasonable: $1 to $2 a carat, $30 to $60 per stone for a good-
sized, high-quality, custom-cut labradorite.

How hard is it to fi nd?
At most gem shows, you’ll fi nd dealers with a range of labradorite
for sale. Shop carefully to fi nd the stone that makes your heart sing.

What kind of jewelry can I put this in?
Most, though a ring that will get heavy wear may have problems.
Labradorite is 6 to 6½ in hardness on the Mohs Scale, but more
problematic is the lamellar (layered) structure of labradorite which
can result in it chipping. Protect the edges.

How easy is it to set?
Depends on the stone. Stones cut with fl at backs and in standard
shapes should be easy. Custom stones can be trickier, especially
those with square corners.

What settings are best?
Bezels to protect the edges of the stone.

Artisan/studio dos and don’ts:
Don’t even think about the ultrasonic or steamer. Use care when
setting.

Wearer dos and don’ts:
Mostly you can wear this stone and accept the compliments. Use
care if the labradorite is set in a ring stone and clean with warm
water and mild soap.

SHARON ELAINE THOMPSON is a freelance writer based in Oregon. She has written for

Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist since 1987 and blogs frequently at http://www.interweave.com/jewelry.

Learn more at jewelryartdiva.com.

Just the Facts

“I love using labradorite,”

says jewelry designer

Kieu Pham Gray. “The

stone appears to change

depending on the angle

of light. It never seems to

look the same, especially

with bigger pieces. The

flashes make it feel alive,

giving labradorite a

certain mystique which I

find incredibly attractive.

However, working with

the stone you should know

that sharp corners, like

square cabochons, are

easily chipped.”

Super Stone

and Setting

BLUE & YELLOW LAB,

PAGE 38

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