Perfect in Pink

With its multiple hues, the Morganite gemstone makes for a perfect fashion companion

It was a luxuriant sun-drenched December day. There I was sprawled on my recliner, flipping through Sunday reads when the plump fuchsia Begonias in my garden alongside Erica blossoms and fragrant Exacums caught my eye! Mesmerised by the vibrant colours, I turned the pages and noticed my vacant ring finger that sort of demanded a pink ring to complement my rosy cheeks and the perfect nature setting! And that8217;s when I remembered good ol8217; Tiffany and Company for their perfect pink Morganite stone. A dazzling mineral gemstone, the Morganite owes its pink colour to the trace amounts of manganese impurities. This pink fashion favourite gem exhibits a soft colour palette including pink to peachy-pink hues though its lilac-pink remains the most desired. Colour is the primary criterion. Zero-in on the largest piece with minimum inclusions possible. Even the ones with inclusions deliver the romantic image of a 8220;slept in pink silk sheet8221;. Morganite is a sibling of emerald and belongs to the prestigious Beryl family. For many years before 1911, it was sold as Pink Beryl, Rose Beryl and sometimes even today unscrupulously as Pink Emerald at unethical prices. The exciting first discovery of Pink Beryl in Southern California drew attention of George Kunz of Tiffany Co in 1911. Foreseeing its potential, he bought as much possible and decided to name it in honour of his biggest customer J P Morgan, millionaire bank tycoon and an avid gem collector. Being a hard, durable stone the available pieces maybe given any cut. The largest faceted Morganite is 598.70-carat, cushion-cut from Madagascar and resides in The British Museum. Relatively rare deposits of the gemstone are found in Brazil, Mozambique, Russia and the finest come from Madagascar. Morganite8217;s sweet pink energy helps one relax and release unhealthy emotional patterns. It assists in developing trust and brings joie de verve. As it is, pink is a charming colour and looks great all year. So, fetch a mirror and start looking for one that enhances your innocent blush! Though beware of Kunzite, pink Topaz and other imitations.

The writer is a city-based researcher specialising in jewellery art and can be contacted at sameeraahaan02gmail.com