Morganite and Beryl Necklace in 18K

A blushing beryl that ranges from powder pink to peach, morganite combines sweet color with flashing brilliance like its gem sibling aquamarine. Morganite was first discovered near San Diego in California in the early twentieth century, setting off a gem rush. George Kunz of Tiffany & Co. named it in honor of his biggest customer: millionaire bank tycoon J.P. Morgan, who was an avid gem collector. Today, it’s still a rare treasure for any gem connoisseur to add to her gem collection.

Creating 18K white gold is jeweler’s alchemy. To make luxurious 18K white gold, 75% pure golden yellow gold is alloyed with 25% white metals, usually silver, zinc, or palladium. These metals also increase its durability and hardness. To get that bright white shine, most 18K white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, a platinum group metal.