02Stone
Semi-Precious StonesEST. MMXXVI
Silken parallel fibres within the quartz, a travelling band of light, set en cabochon.
The Particulars
- Family
- Chatoyant quartz
- Form
- Set en cabochon
- Character
- Travelling band of light
- Grading
- Sharpness & centre of the band
- Papers
- Weight and origin papered
- Supply
- Selected singly
Silken parallel fibres lend the stone its travelling band of light, set en cabochon and prized by old jewel houses.
The Stone
When quartz grows around parallel silken fibres, a cabochon cut across them gathers the light into a single bright band that travels as the stone turns. The trade calls it chatoyancy (the cat's eye) and prizes the sharpness and centre of the band.
Disposition
The house selects for a clean, centred eye and an even body tone, and conveys each stone with its weight and origin papered. Old jewel houses remain the steadiest custom for a fine eye.