Carnelians are a form of quartz which ranges in color from vividly orange to a rust-colored brown. The rich color, caused by iron impurities in the stone, has made this gemstone a favorite of kings, sultans, and other royalty for thousands of years. This stone can be found in high heat environments in several countries, including Australia, China, and Western Europe. These chips of the stone vary in width and length, and range in color from orange-brown to a pale yellow or even white.
Semi-precious stone beads are mined all over the world and then are usually cut in China. They will often be dyed or color-treated to enhance their appearance. We select the best quality semi-precious that is available, and try to avoid finishes that are not durable. It is best to assume that some semi-precious beads will fade over time.