Charles Albert Alchemia Amethyst and Citrine Crystal Cluster Pendant

Charles Albert is a brand celebrated for its innovative designs and high-quality, handcrafted jewelry. The newest collection, Alchemia, is inspired by the ancient mythical craft of transforming lesser metals into gold. Similarly, Alchemia fuses a secret blend of elements that when combined simulate the look and feel of 18K gold. This alloy is nickel-free, lead-free and a cost effective alternative to precious metals. All Charles Albert creations are one-of-a-kind, encouraging the wearer to express his or her individuality.

Amethyst is an extremely sought-after gem which has been valued by many civilizations since antiquity. A variety of vitreous quartz, amethyst often forms dramatic prismatic crystals which are often formed into jewelry without being cut. Brazil and Uruguay are common sources of high quality amethyst. In the early Christian church, amethyst was believed to guard against intoxication, hence its derivation from the Greek "amethustos," meaning "not drunk."

Citrine is quartz generally occurring in a golden color. Citrine occurs naturally in Scotland and in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Much citrine available today is actually smoky quartz or amethyst that has been heat-treated to achieve its characteristic color.