9 Carat Yellow Gold Marquise Cut Iolite Solitaire Pendant Necklace

This classic single stone pendant, made in a 9 carat yellow gold, is set with a 6mm by 3mm marquise brilliant cut iolite. 
 
Specifications
Metal - 9 carat yellow gold
Stone - Iolite
Pendant dimensions (including bail) - 15.2mm x 3mm
Chain link - curb
Chain length - 16 to 18 inches
 
Care and Cleaning
Iolite has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, with examples found in Ancient Greek and Roman archaeology, but it really gained popularity in the 18th century and officially got its name in 1813. 
The name Iolite comes from the Greek word ios, meaning violet. 
Prior to 1813 it was called ‘dichroite’ which means ‘two-colour’, due to the ability of many iolite’s to display different colours when viewed from different angles.
 
Iolite is also known by another name, the Viking Compass Stone. According to legend, Nordic sailors would use thin slices of iolite as glare-reducing and polarising filters which would allow them to locate the sun on a cloudy day and pinpoint their location at sea. 
 
The hue of this beautiful gem sits comfortably in-between the purple of amethyst and the violet blue of tanzanite and has often be used as an alternative to gems such as sapphire and tanzanite.
 
Iolite is generally untreated and is sold in its natural, unaltered form except for cutting and faceting. This means it takes very little care and maintenance outside of the normal care that should always be taken with jewellery during everyday wear.  
 
If you would like to learn more about gemstone treatments, what these treatments are and what they do, as well as which treatments are stable and how to look after gemstones with unstable treatments, please visit our 'Gemstone Guide' page.