Antique Eighteenth Century Genuine Natural Russian Three-Quarter Carat Oval Cabochon Cut Seawater Blue Aquamarine.

CLASSIFICATION: Oval Cut Polished Aquamarine Cabochon.

ORIGIN: The Ural Mountains, Russia. 19th Century.

SIZE: Length: 7mm. Width: 5mm. Depth: 3mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 0.76 carats.

NOTES: Upon request we can set your gemstones as a ring, pendant, or as earrings (click here for more information).

DETAIL: Ancient Greeks believed Aquamarine held the essence and spirit of the sea. Wearing this stone as a talisman was believed to protect from adversities at sea, prevent sea sickness, and promote courage and a strong will, and to quicken the intellect. Here's a gorgeous, light blue aquamarine semi-precious gemstone from Siberia, the Ural Mountains of Russia. The color and clarity of pale blue seawater, gorgeous, vibrant, and delicately hued, this striking gemstone is of reasonably good quality and possesses breathtaking luster. The gemstone was hand crafted and faceted by an eighteenth century Russian artisan, part of an heritage renown for the production of the elaborate gemstones and jewelry of the Czars of Medieval, Renaissance, and Victorian Russia.

Closely related to emerald (also mined in Siberia), aquamarine is one of the less common, and more costly semi-precious gemstones. Good quality aquamarine is in short supply and can be very costly. However the Southern Ural Mountains of (Siberia) Russia have been producing quality aquamarine for centuries. The gemstone is absolutely transparent, though by no means flawless. Upon close scrutiny it is possible to make out a few wispy blemishes composed of colorless crystalline material. You can also see them here in these photo enlargements, and though they seem rather prominent in these enlargements, in hand they are small enough to be absolutely unnoticed by the casual admirer. It really does require pretty close scrutiny to make them out. Nonetheless by today's standards it is of reasonably good, though an exceptionally high quality aquamarine. However judged by eighteenth century standards, this was a very desirable and expensive gemstone.

Under magnification the gemstone shows the unmistakable characteristics of having been hand crafted. Nonetheless the coarseness of the eighteenth century finish is considered appealing to most gemstone collectors, and is not considered a detriment, or detract from the value of a gemstone. These characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, most serious collectors consider such gemstones more desirable, possessed of greater character and uniqueness when compared to today's cookie-cutter mass-produced machine-tumbled gemstones. Unlike today's computer controlled machine produced gemstones, the cut and finish of a gemstone such as this is the legacy of an artisan who lived two centuries ago.

This gemstone has great luster, and to the eye is completely transparent and clean to casual scrutiny, but it is not absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes it possesses are not immediately visible to the casual appreciative glance, as "near eye clean" or "lightly blemished". And again, to casual scrutiny with the unaided eye it is indeed without blemish. However magnified 500%, as it is here, you can clearly pick out several wispy blemishes composed of clear crystalline material, and as well occasional irregularities in the polished finish. But these characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, you must also consider that two centuries ago the mining techniques even theoretically possible, let alone commonly practiced, did not allow the ultra deep mining operations which are so commonplace today.

Two centuries ago mankind was more or less limited to surface deposits or near surface deposits of gemstones. Higher quality gemstones which today are routinely mined from beneath hundreds of meters, even kilometers beneath the earth's surface, were simply inaccessible then. So antique gemstones must be appreciated as antiques first, gemstones second. The relatively superlative quality of contemporary gemstones routinely mined from deep beneath the earth's surface today were simply not accessible two centuries ago, or at least, only rarely so. However for most, the unique nature and character of antique gemstones such as this more than makes up for miniscule blemishes and cutting imperfections which are inherent in antique, hand-cut gemstones, and which are by and large, are only visible under high magnification and/or to very close scrutiny.

HISTORY: Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, as is emerald. It can be found in blue, blue-green, and green; though the blue color is by far the most valuable. The origin of the name "aquamarine" is Latin; "aqua", for water; "marina", for sea. Ancient Greeks believed Aquamarine held the essence and spirit of the sea. Wearing this stone as a talisman was believed to protect from adversities at sea, prevent sea sickness, and promote courage and a strong will, and to quicken the intellect. Ancient Greek jewelers made extensive use of aquamarine, which came to them via Arabian camel caravan and ocean-going Mediterranean galleys. To Christians from the earliest times through the Medieval era, aquamarine symbolized harmony, happiness, innocence, youthfulness, and purity. It was held for its amuletic properties, believed to help protect against evil and conquer wickedness.

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".