After engaging in this thread it has reinforced that Mala is not as bad as SAs make it out to be! I have a Mala bracelet that is close to 8 years old. It is mat but the colour and lines are exactly same. I am thinking of adding the 3 motif earrings to my list now. While striking off blue agate earrings and ring. I am interested in how carnelian does over time. So will watch other thread.
Blue Agate Fading?
- Thread starter lynne_ross
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I haven't had issues with my agate pieces either, but I've seen people with agates that deteriorate at a much faster and severe rate given different variables. Agate in general is very sturdy, high on the mohs scale, but it's also porous, so without proper care or some extreme external factors, it can still deteriorate. Good to see your pieces are holding up well too.
But back on the topic of BA specifically, blue dyes can be unstable because it's very sensitive to UV light, which can contribute the fading especially if the stones weren't color treated properly to begin with. I don't doubt there is quality control issue with VCA, as some members didn't have issue with their BA. Hopefully more people who own the BA can voice their concerns to corporate so they can take proper measures on making sure the dyed stones can withstand normal wear & tear. It may not stay vibrant forever, but certainly shouldn't fade after a few wears. I've been wearing my chalcedony nonstop since I've gotten it a few years ago, the stones remain a very bright lavender color without me babying it.
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Okay, here's my update after talking with my long time SA at a major US boutique.
She said VCA blue agate is absolutely natural and not dyed, which does make it more rare and desirable than dyed agate. She said changes in any kind of Alhambra stones can be caused by various conditions such as skin and other exposures (such as sun, humidity, water, perfume, sunscreen, etc.). @A bottle of Red She also showed me a picture of her own carnelian bracelet that has stones with one or two darker stones after wearing it for years. She said some change over time is normal with these natural stones. She said it is okay to clean it on occasion with a damp cloth.
I do acknowledge that I am concerned about those here who have had the fading that is worse than what would be considered normal, and I encourage you to contact your SA. It is very possible VCA just hasn't had many complaints since the BA is a relatively new stone. My SA had not heard of any complaints and I am sure she and her boutique have sold a lot of it. She also checked with customer service.
So I think the key for me is to avoid wearing it outdoors for long in the summer heat and sun. We use air conditioning from now through September, so it is not in danger indoors.
She said VCA blue agate is absolutely natural and not dyed, which does make it more rare and desirable than dyed agate. She said changes in any kind of Alhambra stones can be caused by various conditions such as skin and other exposures (such as sun, humidity, water, perfume, sunscreen, etc.). @A bottle of Red She also showed me a picture of her own carnelian bracelet that has stones with one or two darker stones after wearing it for years. She said some change over time is normal with these natural stones. She said it is okay to clean it on occasion with a damp cloth.
I do acknowledge that I am concerned about those here who have had the fading that is worse than what would be considered normal, and I encourage you to contact your SA. It is very possible VCA just hasn't had many complaints since the BA is a relatively new stone. My SA had not heard of any complaints and I am sure she and her boutique have sold a lot of it. She also checked with customer service.
So I think the key for me is to avoid wearing it outdoors for long in the summer heat and sun. We use air conditioning from now through September, so it is not in danger indoors.
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Thank you so much, good to be aware it can change and be careful. I appreciate your information
I tried to take the most representative pic I could to show the true colour and variation. On my iPhone these pic look close to actual colours.
First shows my necklace and bracelet in BA. Included my Mala since it is in good shape and older. I wear my Mala a fair bit (once a week these days). I am more inclined to add more Mala since my experience has been good.
Included a pic of the most faded motif on my arm vs one that looks more vibrant. The motifs are all still blue they are just fading.
I have not spoken to my SA about this since I still love these pieces. I don’t mind the variation as it gives the pieces more character. My mom bought me the necklace and it has meaning to me. It is more important to me that it does not chip like some others have experienced. In a way I am now even less worried about ruining them and I will continue to wear them in the hot summer months. Jewellery is to enjoy and not baby.
I would be annoyed if I bought them for a specific colour and had matched the colour.
First shows my necklace and bracelet in BA. Included my Mala since it is in good shape and older. I wear my Mala a fair bit (once a week these days). I am more inclined to add more Mala since my experience has been good.
Included a pic of the most faded motif on my arm vs one that looks more vibrant. The motifs are all still blue they are just fading.
I have not spoken to my SA about this since I still love these pieces. I don’t mind the variation as it gives the pieces more character. My mom bought me the necklace and it has meaning to me. It is more important to me that it does not chip like some others have experienced. In a way I am now even less worried about ruining them and I will continue to wear them in the hot summer months. Jewellery is to enjoy and not baby.
I would be annoyed if I bought them for a specific colour and had matched the colour.
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Your malachite looks to be in great shape. I can see the variation in the blue. I am with you. Jewelry is meant to be worn. Let it give you joy with every wear. Otherwise why buy it? Btw, i absolutely love blue and green together. So preppy and sharp. (Child of the 80s)
I don't believe the VCA BA stones colour is not enhanced artificially.Agate doesn't have uniform colour naturally. I'll contact geologist and other jewellery makers to get more info on the matter.
Let us know in 5 yrs time about the change in colour.
Ideally I'd like to change my stones to something else not BA, carnelian, malachite or onyx would do better, but I don't know if there is an option for this.
If anybody has done it before do chime in!
@lynne_ross love your malachite, it does look great even after so many years.
Haha! Yes same. I wear a lot of blue and green together but is complementary colours.
Alena, if someone can get information from VCA that any of their VA stones are dyed, I would be extremely interested and thankful to have the correct information. Until that occurs, I will have to take the word of my SA who has been with VCA for many years. I have about 3 more weeks to return my bracelet, and if VCA confirms that the BA is dyed, I will likely return it. It will be too late to return the pendant as I got it a couple of weeks earlier.
Because I looked for evidence that pure blue agate even exists, aside from being told it is natural, I'll post some photos in another post that show that little motifs can be solid color. Chalcedony is actually blue lace agate which is different.
I don't think you'd want to consider carnelian if you are wary of blue agate, because it is also in the quartz family and is frequently dyed. My SA sent me a picture of her bracelet where one motif had darkened over time. All of the quartz family stones are porous and can change depending on many external factors. The onyx seems to be the best for those concerned about color change.
For anyone still interested, blue agate is in the same quartz family as carnelian, chalcedony, and onyx. I searched for pictures of natural blue agate (undyed) last night and found a few. These are from Iran, Kenya, and Turkey.
yikes. I have a 10motif waiting for me. And already have a pair of agate earrings and bracelet. I’m gonna take a picture of them to
make sure I track them for this research purpose
make sure I track them for this research purpose
Why don’t you submit your pieces to GIA and get the evaluation of a disinterested third party. Then you have the assurance of an unbiased opinion and will be able to put your mind to rest.
Can Gia tell if these stones were dyed? If so that would be the best option
My understanding is that GIA can tell if there has been treatment and the type. They would specify that in their report. If we have any colored stone experts that have gone through this process, any insight would be welcome.
