The provided sources detail a collection of gemstone jewelry offered by Pura Vida, a brand specializing in bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings. While not a comprehensive gemological treatise, the materials offer insight into current gemstone preferences in accessible jewelry designs, specifically focusing on emerald, apatite, tanzanite, chalcedony, opal, turquoise, peridot, moonstone, and white sapphire. This article will explore these gemstones as they appear within the Pura Vida product line, outlining their presence in various jewelry types and materials. Due to the limited scope of the provided sources, this article will focus on the gemstones themselves as presented within the brand’s offerings, rather than a deep dive into their geological origins or historical significance.
Gemstone Presence in Pura Vida Jewelry
Pura Vida’s collection showcases a diverse range of gemstones incorporated into various jewelry pieces. The most frequently appearing gemstones within the provided list are emerald, apatite, and tanzanite, often featured together in bracelets and earrings. Chalcedony, opal, turquoise, peridot, and moonstone also appear, though less consistently. The jewelry is primarily crafted from sterling silver and 14k gold, with a focus on leverback earrings, stud earrings, drop earrings, bracelets, pendants, and rings.
Emerald, Apatite, and Tanzanite Combinations
A significant portion of the Pura Vida collection centers around combinations of emerald, apatite, and tanzanite. These gemstones are featured in gold and silver bracelets, as well as leverback earrings. The consistent pairing suggests a deliberate aesthetic choice, potentially based on complementary colors or perceived harmonious energies. The sources do not provide information on the specific cut or clarity grades of these gemstones, but their inclusion in a brand focused on accessible jewelry suggests they are likely readily available and moderately priced.
Chalcedony and its Variations
Chalcedony appears in several forms within the Pura Vida collection. It is featured in triangle drop earrings alongside coin pearls, and also appears in asymmetrical earring designs with onyx and emerald. The presence of both chalcedony and coin pearls in the same earring design indicates a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The variety in chalcedony’s presentation – paired with pearls, onyx, and emerald – demonstrates its versatility as a design element.
Opal and Turquoise Offerings
Blue opal and turquoise are featured in both gold and silver leverback earrings, and also appear in drop earring designs alongside lapis and white topaz. The inclusion of these gemstones suggests an appeal to customers seeking vibrant color and natural beauty. Turquoise, in particular, is noted alongside “Sleeping Beauty” turquoise, potentially indicating a specific source known for its quality.
Moonstone and Pearl Designs
Moonstone and pearls are prominently featured in the “Dream of Moorea” collection, appearing in both earrings and pendants. The combination of silver and baroque pearls with moonstone creates a romantic and ethereal aesthetic. The use of baroque pearls, known for their irregular shapes, adds a unique and organic quality to the designs.
Peridot and Other Gemstone Highlights
Peridot is featured in silver earrings alongside pearls. Other gemstones included in the collection are white sapphire, aquamarine, green amethyst, and white topaz. These gemstones are incorporated into various earring and necklace designs, contributing to the overall diversity of the Pura Vida collection.
Material and Construction Details
The Pura Vida jewelry is constructed from a combination of materials, including sterling silver, 14k gold, wax thread (for bracelets), and various gemstones. The brand emphasizes the use of pure cotton wax thread for bracelets, noting a slight stickiness upon initial wear that diminishes with use. The use of white rhodium plating on some silver pieces suggests an effort to enhance shine and durability. The presence of bezel settings for opal studs indicates a focus on securing the gemstones.
Jewelry Types and Styles
The Pura Vida collection encompasses a wide range of jewelry types, including:
- Bracelets: Gemstone bracelets featuring emerald, apatite, and tanzanite, often made with wax thread.
- Earrings: Leverback, stud, and drop earrings incorporating various gemstones like emerald, apatite, tanzanite, opal, turquoise, peridot, moonstone, and chalcedony.
- Pendants: Baroque pearl pendants and designs featuring various gemstones.
- Rings: Chalcedony and white sapphire rings, as well as silver baroque pearl rings.
- Necklaces: Multi-gemstone necklaces featuring emerald, apatite, tanzanite, and green amethyst.
The styles range from classic and elegant (pearl and moonstone designs) to contemporary and vibrant (gemstone combinations in silver and gold).
Summary of Gemstone Occurrences
The following table summarizes the gemstones featured in the Pura Vida collection, based on the provided sources:
| Gemstone | Jewelry Type(s) | Metal(s) Used |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald | Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces | Gold, Silver |
| Apatite | Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces | Gold, Silver |
| Tanzanite | Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces | Gold, Silver |
| Chalcedony | Earrings, Rings | Silver |
| Opal | Earrings, Studs | Gold, Silver |
| Turquoise | Earrings | Gold, Silver |
| Peridot | Earrings | Silver |
| Moonstone | Earrings, Pendants | Silver |
| White Sapphire | Rings | Silver |
| White Topaz | Earrings | Silver |
| Green Amethyst | Earrings, Necklaces | Gold |
| Baroque Pearl | Earrings, Pendants, Rings | Silver, Gold |
| Coin Pearl | Earrings | Silver |
Conclusion
The Pura Vida collection, as presented in the provided sources, offers a diverse range of gemstone jewelry with a focus on accessible style and vibrant color. Emerald, apatite, and tanzanite are prominently featured, often combined in bracelets and earrings. Chalcedony, opal, turquoise, peridot, and moonstone add further variety to the collection, showcasing the brand’s commitment to incorporating natural gemstones into contemporary designs. The use of both sterling silver and 14k gold, along with materials like wax thread and baroque pearls, contributes to the overall aesthetic and appeal of the Pura Vida jewelry line. The sources, while limited in scope, provide a snapshot of current gemstone preferences within a specific brand’s offerings.