This is why I love raw gems -- the color, light, depth and texture of this stone really make me dizzy with happiness  

The pendant is a vesuvianite from On the Rocks (Chicago), raw on one side, sparkly with green and purple crystals, and refined on the other, polished to a deep purple sheen by Peter Ehret of the Glass Slipper Lapidary Studios (Tucson).  It hangs from a necklace of peridot and rose de France amethyst beads that echo the crystal's rich hues. A gorgeous sterling silver toggle set with amethysts is the perfect clasp for a really special necklace.  21 inches long.