Robert Michael purchased several Red Helenite crystals from a mine representative in the State of Washington.   Helenite is a lab-grown crystal using the Silica in the volcanic ash from Mt. Saint Helens. This is accomplished by fusing the ash at 2700 degrees.  The color is amazingly similar to that of Rubies, and as such they become a very affordable alternative to that natural gemstone.
 
Robert has been faceting these crystals over time into various shapes and sizes, including these 6x4mm oval gemstones, weighing .5 carats each.   He set them in Rhodium-plated Sterling Silver Post Earrings.
 
Please be aware that the jewelry items in the photos are often much larger than actual. This is done intentionally to give you a close up view of the items.