Morganite and Beryl Necklace in 18K

A blushing beryl that ranges from powder pink to a 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.