Chrysoberyl and Diamond Ladies Ring in 18K White Gold

Valued for thousands of years, chrysoberyl is a surprising connoisseur’s gem that’s best known for its optical effects, known as phenomena. One variety of chrysoberyl is alexandrite, which changes color from red in lamplight to green in daylight. Cat’s-eye chrysoberyl, the 18th anniversary gem, has a feline band of light that sweeps across its dome. Faceted transparent chrysoberyl in golden honey and soft green hues shines with all the beauty and durability of better-known sapphire for connoisseurs of rare gems.

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.