I offer the specs on these striking earrings by Shawn Ames, available at LAs Roseark: 18k rose gold amaranth earrings with pink sapphire and amethyst. 12.30cts of amaranth, 3.71cts of pink sapphires and 1.17cts of amethyst. 2 1/4″ x 1 1/8″.

I would like to say I know what amaranth is but I do not. And having consulted several books on gemstones, as well as the Internet (which informed me amaranth is an imaginary, undying flower – sweet!) I am no wiser. They appear to be a type of quartz, but I really can’t say.

However, they are certainly lovely and make me think of photos of starlets in the 1970s, cavorting through the canyons of LA in hippy garb. Yours for USD $11,000. And if you find out what amaranth is, please share.