Eight Carats of Gorgeous, Genuine, Antique Handcrafted Semi-Precious Burmese Jade Gemstones on 14kt Gold Fill French Hooks.

CLASSIFICATION: Six High Quality (Jadeite) Jade Round/Spherical Gemstones, total gemstone weight approximately eight carats. Contemporary high quality 14kt gold fill french hooks.

ATTRIBUTION: 19th Century Burma.

APPROXIMATE SIZE/DIMENSIONS (EACH GEMSTONE):

Approximate Diameter: 5-6 millimeters.

Approximate Weight: 1 - 1 3/4 carats.

Contemporary 14kt gold fill french hooks.

DETAIL: A set of six beautiful antique Burmese Jade semi-precious gemstones mounted onto contemporary 14kt gold filled french hooks. These particular specimens were hand crafted (shaped, drilled and polished) by a 19th century Russian artisan for use in high-end domestic jewelry. Though Russian jade is mined in Siberia, the highest quality Victorian and Renaissance jewelry was fashioned of imported jadeite from Burma (present day Myanmar). These gorgeous, translucent semi-precious gemstones originated from some of the world's finest Burmese fancy (multi-colored) jadeite deposits. These gorgeous jade gemstones have been mounted onto contemporary 14kt gold fill french hooks. These are not cheap gold electroplate earrings, they are high quality 14kt gold fill. Upon request the gemstones could also be remounted onto kidney wires, lever backs, euroclicks, or ball studs if you would prefer; or remounted onto sterling silver. It's a first-class piece of jewelry throughout, designed to provide a lifetime of wearing enjoyment.

Gorgeous, vibrant, richly colored fancy (green, yellow, orange, and white) jadeite such as this is highly prized, and can be quite costly. Though the general impression is that jadeite is green, fancy colored jadeite also is found in white, yellow, orange, and red as well. Upon close examination of the gemstones it becomes obvious that they have been hand shaped and hand finished. The slight irregularities which are the hallmark of handcrafted gemstones are generally regarded as appealing to most gemstone collectors, and is not considered detrimental. Unlike today's computer controlled machine finished gemstones, the cut and finish of gemstones such as these is the legacy of an artisan who lived two centuries ago. Such antique hand-crafted gemstones possess much greater character and appeal than today's mass-produced machine-produced gemstones.

HISTORY: The highest quality and rarest form of jade is known as "jadeite", and is found almost exclusively in Burma (as was this gemstone), Tibet and southern China. Nephrite, the more common and less valuable form of jade is found in many parts of the world from California to Siberia. Jade was used in ancient times for weapons, utensils, and ornaments, and has always been especially valued by the Chinese and Japanese as the most precious of all stones. Many beautiful hand carved jade vases, bowls, tablets, and statues produced in ancient China now reside in museums world wide. Records of the use of jade in China in the production of jewelry goes back 5,000 years, and can be found in emperors' tombs dating back to the 4th millennium B.C. Jade was extremely valuable in ancient China, there are records of an entire city being traded for a carved ornamental jade piece. Throughout the Orient jade was believed to help one access the spiritual world. The less valuable form of jade was widely used by primitive peoples as tools and weapons in the Neolithic, especially in Europe, Mexico, Asia, New Zealand, and North Africa (including ancient Egypt).

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".