Chrome Diopside – The Emerald of the Northern Lights

Chrome diopside forms deep within the Earth, where intense heat and pressure crystallize silica, calcium, and magnesium into vibrant green stones. The addition of chromium gives this gemstone its striking emerald-like hue, reminiscent of lush forests and auroras. Found primarily in Siberia, Russia, chrome diopside often emerges from icy, remote landscapes where miners carefully extract it during the brief summer months.

After mining, artisans transform rough chrome diopside into dazzling cabochons or facets, revealing its natural brilliance and making it accessible to jewelry lovers worldwide.

Etymology

The name “diopside” comes from the Greek words di (twice) and opsis (vision), referencing the dual appearance of its crystal faces. The prefix “chrome” highlights the chromium element responsible for its vivid green color.

Chrome diopside belongs to the pyroxene group of minerals and shares characteristics with:

• Black Star Diopside: Known for its asterism, a star-like pattern visible under light.
• Violan: A rare blue variety of diopside found in metamorphic rocks.

Despite its beauty, chrome diopside remains softer than many gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.

Cosmic Junction

Chrome diopside carries a mystique tied to its Siberian origins. Indigenous Siberian tribes revered green stones like diopside as symbols of life and fertility, believing they connected wearers to the Earth’s nurturing energy. The stone was often used in ceremonies to honor nature spirits and invoke a bountiful harvest.

In metaphysical traditions, chrome diopside resonates with the heart chakra, encouraging emotional healing and compassion. Its connection to nature makes it a symbol of renewal and growth, offering balance and harmony in times of change.

Astrologers often associate chrome diopside with Venus, the planet of love and beauty, enhancing creativity, relationships, and self-worth. The stone is also linked to Taurus, known for its grounding energy and love of natural beauty.

Stainless Steel | 18k PVD Gold Finish

Material Composition: The base material of these earrings includes high-grade stainless steel, commonly types 304 or 316L, known for excellent corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic qualities. Over this, an 18k Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) gold finish is applied, giving the appearance of real gold while enhancing durability.

Manufacturing Process:

• Material Selection: Opt for high-quality stainless steel for the base, which ensures longevity and resistance to tarnishing.
• PVD Coating Preparation: The stainless steel is cleaned and prepared for the PVD process to ensure adhesion of the gold layer.
• PVD Application: Gold atoms are vaporized in a vacuum chamber and deposited onto the steel in a process that bonds the gold at an atomic level, creating a hard, durable gold coating.
• Cutting & Shaping: After coating, the steel is cut and shaped into the desired forms, like fish/french hooks for earrings.
• Polishing & Finishing: The gold-coated steel is polished to enhance the finish’s luster and smoothness.
• Quality Control: Each piece is checked for uniformity of the gold layer, adherence to jewelry standards, and overall integrity.

Why They Don’t Oxidize

The stainless steel base forms a protective chromium oxide layer which prevents rust. The PVD gold coating adds another layer of protection, making the jewelry highly resistant to oxidation, even in humid or salty environments.

Magnetic Properties

Similar to plain stainless steel, the 18k PVD gold finish does not alter the magnetic properties significantly. The stainless steel might still have slight magnetic qualities based on its composition or processing, but this is not affected by the PVD layer.

Hypoallergenic Assurance

The gold PVD coating further seals the nickel content within the stainless steel, reducing the likelihood of skin reactions. This combination ensures that the earrings are suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies to base metals.