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Two Genuine Natural Antique Handcrafted One and One-Quarter Carat Rich, Regal Red Russian Garnet Ovals.

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

CLASSIFICATION: Red Garnet Oval Cabochons.

SIZE: Length: 7mm. Width: 5mm. Depth: 2 1/2mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: Approximately 2.31 carats (the pair).

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

DETAIL: Two gorgeous, blood red garnet gemstones from the Ural Mountains of Russia, where the production of garnet has gone on for many centuries. These two gemstones were hand shaped and polished into these very beautiful oval cabochons by a 19th century Russian artisan. These lustrous semi-precious gemstones possess a rich, velvety, regal, blood red hue. They are extremely attractive gemstones, of very special character and remarkable color and texture. Highly favored by the royal houses of Renaissance Europe, they were considered noble in nature, and in some countries ownership was restricted to royalty and others of high birth. This particular variety of garnet is known as “pyrope”, and is especially favored for its dark, blood red tones. They are truly gorgeously colored brilliant semi-precious gemstones.

Under magnification both gemstones shows the unmistakable characteristics of having been hand crafted. The coarseness of the 19th 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.

Both gemstones have great luster and sparkle, wonderful color and texture, and to the eye are more or less transparent; but neither gemstone is flawless. They could not even be characterized as exceptionally high quality. In fact, they are quite typical of 19th century gemstones both in quality and finish. True, the blemishes they possess are near invisible to the naked eye under casual scrutiny, and the gemstones could almost be characterized, to use trade jargon, as "near eye clean", or “slightly included”. However magnified 500%, as they are here, you can see minor imperfections (included material) within the gemstones and occasional irregularities in the finish. But these characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, you must also consider that two centuries ago the mining techniques even possible then, let alone in practice, 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 included imperfections which by and large, are only visible under high magnification.

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".