Six Remarkable Gems: From the Pink Star to Red Beryl
Gemstones can be interesting for their color, optical effects, mineral identity or history. These six examples introduce different features, from a documented diamond auction to gems that change appearance under different lighting.
1. The CTF Pink Star diamond
The 59.60-carat Pink Star sold at Sotheby's in Hong Kong on April 4, 2017 for HK$553 million, reported as US$71.2 million. Its buyer renamed it the CTF Pink Star. This is a historical result for that particular diamond. Read Sotheby's account.
2. Musgravite
Musgravite and taaffeite have similar composition and properties, making identification a laboratory question. GIA's examination of two musgravite samples used Raman spectroscopy to confirm their identity. The example shows why a name or appearance alone is not enough. Read GIA's musgravite report.
3. Jadeite
Jadeite is one of the materials described as jade. Its colors extend beyond green to include lavender, white, yellow and other hues, and its transparency ranges from semi-transparent to opaque. These variations help explain why individual pieces can look so different. Explore GIA's jade description.
4. Color-change garnet
Some garnets show different colors under different light sources. GIA documented Madagascar examples appearing blue-green in daylight and purple under incandescent light. That description applies to the studied material, rather than every garnet. Read the GIA research.
5. Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl known for color change. GIA describes green tones under daylight or fluorescent lighting and brownish to purplish red under incandescent lighting. Comparing lighting conditions is central to understanding its appearance. Read GIA's alexandrite guide.
6. Red beryl
Red beryl and emerald belong to the beryl family but are different varieties. Emerald is green; red beryl's coloration is associated with manganese. Using the specific name helps distinguish the material. See GIA's beryl reference and red-beryl analysis.
Bring the focus back to the actual piece
For a jewelry purchase, review the specifications of the exact item and selected options. Explore our diamond grillz collection, or contact Cali Grillz with a product-specific question.
