When good aqua chalcedony goes bad

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello Orchidland.

I have used a few aqua chalcedonies, some even in my own personal
jewelry and I have never had a problem. (Although I have heard
stories. :o) ) I know these stones are dyed and the worst I expected
was fading due to bright light. Recently a ring was returned to me
and the stone has changed from a very pretty aqua blue to a gray with
dark purple banding. Can anyone tell me what has probably happened?
Would a dark gray be the original color of the stone that was dyed? I
guess I was thinking the stones would have to be lighter to be dyed a
light aqua color.

I know this is the risk you take when using dyed stones, which I
don’t use a lot of, but I am wondering what the cause could be.

Any light that can be shed on this would be appreciated!

Linda Blumel

2

Hi Linda,

My gut is telling me that the ring was worn in a harsh liquid of
some sort and the chemicals reacted leaching out the colour. The only
chalcedony jewellery I have are earrings, so no problems. I wish I
could answer your question about the dye colouring over a darker
colour, but I’ll let others with more experience with dyed stones
answer that one.

Best,
Sue/Vancouver