Two Twenty-One Carat Antique Handcrafted Briolette Cut Madeira Orange Citrine Semi-Precious Gemstones. Mounted into contemporary high quality 14kt gold fill French hooks.

ORIGIN: Coastal Devonian Lava Beds, Angus, Scotland.

SIZE: Length: 19mm. Width: 14mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 43 carats (combined gemstone weight).

NOTES: Other setting styles (euro clicks, lever backs, kidney wires, ball/stud dangles) are available upon request, both in 14kt solid gold and in 14kt gold fill (or sterling silver).

DETAIL: The Romans, Greeks and Celts believed citrine to be the crystallized essence of sunshine, and believed it would aid in digestion and cleanse toxins from the body, and it was even carried as protection against snake venom. Here are two large, very clean, madeira/cognac orange colored citrines which originated in the Devonian lava beds found along the coast of Angus Country, Scotland. These two exquisite gemstones which are completely transparent, exceptionally clean, water clear, with beautiful sparkle and luster. These particular gemstones were hand cut and faceted into these somewhat coarse briolettes, an old fashioned cut reflecting their heritage, by a 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.

These are very beautiful and richly hued Madeira orange citrine semi-precious gemstones which though as you can clearly see in these photo enlargements might not be absolutely flawless, are eye clean. Under magnification the gemstones show the unmistakable characteristics of having been hand crafted. However the coarseness of the handcrafted 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 gemstones such as these is the part of the cultural legacy left by artisans who lived centuries ago.

The earring settings are of contemporary origin. They are high quality settings manufactured by one of the USA's leading semi-custom mount producers. They are constructed of 14kt gold fill. They are not cheap, gold electroplated earrings. They are of genuine 14kt gold fill, designed to last a lifetime. It's a first-class piece of jewelry throughout. We can reset into 14kt solid gold upon request (and sterling silver), and there are also many other setting styles available upon request including euro clicks, lever backs, kidney wires, ball/stud dangles, etc. These gemstones have great luster and sparkle, and to the eye are completely transparent, but not absolutely flawless. True, any blemishes they possess are not visible to the naked eye, and even at 500% as in these photo enlargements here (or under a 5x jeweler's loupe) there are no discernible flaws.

However we hesitate to use the word "flawless", as sooner or later blemishes will show up at higher levels of magnification with almost every natural gemstone. An absolutely flawless gemstone is very rare in nature (and usually turns out to be synthetic). However the gemstones can be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". To the eye they are indeed flawless; and even to a jeweler's loupe it is difficult to find any imperfections. However close examination with a jeweler's loupe will reveal occasional blemishes within the gemstones (as is the case with most any natural gemstone), as well as slight irregularities in the faceting and finish. Of course these characteristics are to be expected of hand-crafted gemstones. However for most, the unique nature and character of antique gemstones such as these more than makes up for any minor blemishes or faceting imperfections which by and large, are (if at all) only visible under high magnification.

HISTORY: Citrine, like Amethyst, is part of the quartz family. Citrine takes its name from the Latin "citrus" for citrus tree. Natural citrine is actually somewhat rare in nature. Most citrines on the market today have been converted from less expensive amethyst or smoky quartz through a heat process. True citrine is characterized by light yellow tones, as opposed to the orange/violet tones of "converted" citrine. Citrine is widely used in jewelry due to its availability, affordability, and durability. It was popular in the late Victorian era and was often set with other semiprecious stones such as bloodstones, carnelian and garnets. The Greeks and Romans used Citrine for intaglios and as cabochon (polished) gemstones during the first and second centuries. The gemstone was worn as a protective talisman and used for medicinal purposes. The Romans and Greeks believed it to be the crystallized essence of sunshine, and believed it would aid in digestion and cleanse toxins from the body. Citrine was carried as protection against snake venom.

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".