Gem Quiz

This Gem Looks Like Amethyst, Has A Color Range Like Quartz, But Isn’t Often Used In Jewelry

Yet, there’s hardly a gemologist who doesn’t own at least one specimen.

Published

4 years ago

November 13, 2019

Chris Burslem

This Gem Looks Like Amethyst, Has A Color Range Like Quartz, But Isn’t Often Used In Jewelry

A CLASSIC GEMOLOGY LESSON is to place me beside amethyst and see who — based on color alone — can tell us apart (it is but folly to try). While purple is my hallmark color, it is but just one in my wide spectrum. In terms of range of color, I am rivaled only by quartz. And whereas some varieties of quartz can dazzle, I glow. I am luminescent, sometimes even phosphorescent. I’m also pretty darn useful. I am used as a flux in the production of steel and aluminum, as an added mineral in water, to make camera lenses and telescopes. The one area I’m not so commonly employed is jewelry — too soft they say. Still there’s hardly a budding gemologist in the world who doesn’t own at least one specimen of me.

Who am I?

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”