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Two Antique Genuine Natural Russian 2/3 Carat Faceted Blood Red Garnet Ovals.

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

SIZE: Length: 6mm. Width: 4mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: Approximately 0.61 Carats (each).

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

DETAIL: According to an ancient Talmudic legend an enormous red garnet was the only source of light in Noah's Ark. Two gorgeous, blood red faceted garnet gemstones from the Ural Mountains of Russia, where the production of garnet has gone on for many centuries. These gemstones have been hand faceted into beautifully proportioned ovals. This particular variety of garnet is known as "pyrope", and is especially favored for its dark, blood red tones. They are very clean, crystal clear, and exquisitely colored. They have great lustre, lots of flash, and are essentially flawless. They are truly gorgeously colored, brilliant, sparkling semi-precious gemstones. To the trained eye the photo enlargements will literally shout 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 machinery, 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.

HISTORY: The name Garnet is derived from the Latin for pomegranate, "grantum", because crystals in rock reminded early aficionados of pomegranate seeds. The different varieties of garnet are found in almost all colors except blue; brown, red, green, yellow, black, and colorless stones are the most common. Darker gemstones are usually opaque, and light ones may be transparent or translucent. The best known members of the Garnet family are the deep red varieties, the Pyrope and Alamandite. The Pyrope derives its name from the Greek word meaning "firelike". The ancients also believed that a garnet could give its wearer guidance in the night, allowing them to see when others could not. Garnet was worn for protection when traveling. It was the Pyrope Garnet that figured in the ancient Talmudic legend, which held that the only light in Noah's Ark was supplied by an enormous red garnet. The Persians considered garnet a royal stone, as did the Russians in Imperial times.

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".