Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist – September 2019

(やまだぃちぅ) #1

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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