Although rhodochrosite has long been known to the gem and jewelry community as a massive, pink ornamental material, recently some attractive transparent orangy pink to red rhodochrosites have become available as faceted gems. Many of the transparent rhodochrosites in the gem market today are from the Sweet Home mine near Alma, Colorado. Current exploration and mining at this mine, as well as the gemological characteristics of—and cutting and setting guidelines for—Sweet Home rhodochrosite, are covered in the article by artist Kimberly Knox and Sweet Home Rhodo president Bryan Lees. A very soft material, rhodochrosite can still be worn in some jewelry if it is carefully set, as in this unusual necklace of rhodochrosites with enamel mounted in 18k gold. The necklace was designed by Kimberly Knox and manufactured by Ms. Knox and Zane A. Gillum of Golden Pacific Arts, San Diego, California. The rhodochrosites range from 1.50 to 14.06 ct. The loose rhodochrosites, which range from 6.50 to 11.50 ct., are courtesy of The Collector's Edge, Golden, Colorado. Photo © Harold & Erica Van Pelt—Photographers, Los Angeles, CA.