Two Nineteenth Century Antique Hand Crafted Genuine Natural Bavarian Bright Orange Spessartite Garnet Faceted Briolettes.

CLASSIFICATION: Spessartite Orange Garnet Faceted Briolettes.

ORIGIN: Spessart, Bavaria. 19th Century.

SIZE: Length: 5mm. Diameter: 3 1/2mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 1.43 carats.

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

DETAIL: Here are two gorgeously colored bright and richly hued orange garnets. This particular species of garnet is known as "Spessartite", and is so named after its original source of Spessart, Bavaria. Hand crafted by a 19th 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. These particular gemstones were hand cut and faceted into briolette teardrops, an old fashioned cut reflecting their heritage. Originally used in indigenous jewelry, these are very pretty semi-precious gemstones, with highly a desirable, uncommon, beautiful rich, vibrant, almost velvety pumpkin orange hue. Although the gemstones are far from flawless, they are eye clean, and given the antique origin and the characteristics of spessartite garnet, that's pretty exceptional.

These are very nice quality specimens, absolutely transparent and alive with fiery sparkles. Though there are blemishes apparent when scrutinized with a jeweler's loupe (or in these 500%+ photo enlargements here), to the eye they are clean. Both gemstones possess great character, and wonderful tone and color, and are of reasonably good quality, especially given their nineteen century origins. Even today these are uncommon and expensive gemstones. When originally cut they would have been very exclusive gemstones and quite costly. Red-Orange spessartite garnets are very uncommon and the original source of these gemstones in Bavaria no longer produces them.

Under magnification the gemstones show 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. But 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-faceted 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. For most, the unique nature and character of antique gemstones such as these more than makes up for included imperfections which by and large, are only visible under magnification.

The gemstones have great luster and sparkle, and to the eye are essentially transparent, but they are not absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes they possesses are virtually invisible to the naked eye, and the gemstones can be characterized, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". However magnified 500%, as they are here, you can see slight blemishes within the gemstones and occasional irregularities and imperfections 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 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 included imperfections which by and large, are only visible under high magnification.

HISTORY: Spessartite is not as common as most other Garnets, and it is usually not found as a transparent, gemstone quality specimens. Originally found in Spessart, Bavaia, its occurrences remain very limited when contrasted with other varieties of garnet. When absolutely pure it is bright orange when pure, the color derived from manganese and aluminum. But an increase in the iron content makes the stone darker orange to red. It is also known as "Spessartine", which is the word for "forest" in German. In Renaissance Europe it was believed to assist in analytical abilities and self-exploration. It was also used in the treatment of lactose intolerance and calcium mal-absorption.

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".