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Two Antique Genuine Natural "Princess Cut" Faceted Richly Colored Amethyst Semi-Precious Gemstones.

ORIGIN: Coastal Devonian Lava Beds, Angus, Scotland. 19th Century.

SIZE: 4mm square, 3mm thick (measurements approximate).

WEIGHT: 0.75 carats (the pair).

NOTES: Upon request we can set your gemstones as a ring, pendant, or earrings.

DETAIL: Two very pretty, very clean, 19th century faceted amethyst squares from the Devonian lava beds found along the coast of Angus Country, Scotland. Very popular in 18th and 19th century Victorian Scotland, amethyst has remained a very popular gemstone through the 20th century. The gemstones were hand crafted by a 19th century Russian artisan into these sparkling faceted gemstones full of flashes of fiery brilliance. Czarist Russia, fabled land of such master jewelers as Faberge, was of course known throughout the Renaissance and Victorian worlds for its elaborate and costly jewelry. These are two very fine, richly colored semi-precious gemstones. Gorgeous, vibrant, and vividly hued, these striking semi-precious gemstones are of very high quality and possess breathtaking luster. Both have been hand faceted into beautiful "princess" cut squares.

Both gemstones are alive with sparkling flashes and the impression of great depth. They are virtually flawless, even under a 5x glass. Certainly to the eye they are nothing less than perfect, they are truly beautifully colored gemstones. The trained eye will easily discern from the photo that the gemstones have been hand-faceted. The coarseness of the 19th century faceting is considered appealing to most gemstone collectors, and is not considered a detriment. Unlike today's computer controlled machine processes, the cut and finish of gemstones such as these is the legacy of an artisan who lived two centuries ago. Such antique hand-faceted gemstones possess much greater character and appeal than today's mass-produced machine-faceted gemstones.

While these gemstones have great luster and sparkle, and to the eye are completely transparent, they are not absolutely with flaw. True, the blemishes they possess are not visible to the naked eye, and the gemstones can be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". To the eye they are indeed flawless; however magnified 500%, as they are here, you might be able to pick out one or two slight imperfections (included material) within the gemstones, barely perceptible even at such high magnification, and as well occasional irregularities in the faceting and finish. But these characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, but as well an absolutely flawless gemstone is very rare in nature (and usually turns out to be synthetic). Sooner or later blemishes will show up at higher levels of magnification with almost every natural gemstone.

HISTORY: Amethyst was one of the first gemstones used by man. The name is derived from the Greek term "amethustos", meaning not drunk. Amethyst came to Greece from Egypt just after the death of Alexander the Great. Most ancient Mediterranean cultures believed that amethyst would protect against becoming intoxicated, and would protect soldiers from harm in battle. Throughout ancient and medieval history, the color purple was traditionally the color of royalty. Consequentially Amethyst has been used since the dawn of recorded history to adorn the wealthy, as well as royalty, and was extensively used since ancient times for carving intaglio gemstones and seals. Amethyst is also mentioned in the Bible (Exodus 28:19; 39:12) as one of the 12 stones adorning the breastplate (hoshen) of the high priests of Yahweh.

Amethyst is the most highly valued variety of quartz. The purple coloring is caused by the presence of compounds of iron or manganese. Aside from the gorgeous color, Amethyst is also very popular in the production of jewelry due to the fact it is very hard and durable. Some of the other popular varieties of quartz include rock crystal (colorless quartz), citrine (yellow quartz), and adventurine (green quartz). Amethyst, like all quartz crystals, produces an electric voltage, a property known as piezoelectric. Unable to understand the characteristic, ancient cultures attributed many mystical properties have been attributed to the various varieties of quartz gemstones. Quartz gemstones were believed to act as psychic purifiers, tuning one into their inner "vibrations". It was believed that quartz possessed the ability to amplify emotions, enhance concentration and intuition, and neutralize "negative energies".

SHIPPING OPTIONS: All purchases are backed by an unlimited guarantee of satisfaction and authenticity. If for any reason you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a complete and immediate refund of your entire purchase price. Most of these antique gemstones were originally part of two collections, one originating in India principally composed of gemstones originally mined in India, Burma, Ceylon, and Siam, and then hand faceted in India. The addition of a second accumulation of antique gemstones originally mined in the Urals in the mid to late 19th century (including alexandrite) completed the collection. These gemstones as well were hand finished. The Urals have been one of the world's major sources of precious and semi-precious gemstones for many centuries. As well, additional specimens are occasionally acquired from other institutions and dealers in Eastern Europe and Asia. These antique gemstones are now in the United States and are available for immediate delivery.

We ship inventory from the USA order fulfillment center near Seattle, Washington. Your purchase will ordinarily be shipping within 48 hours of payment. A certificate of authenticity is available upon request. We prefer your personal check or money order over any other form of payment - and we will ship immediately upon receipt of your check (no "holds"). We will accept PayPal payments. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE".