Antique 19th Century Genuine Three and One-Quarter Carat Burmese Oval Jade Cabochon Semi-Precious Gemstone.

ORIGIN: Burma, 19th Century.

SIZE: Length: 12mm. Width: 10mm. Depth (Thickness): 2.8mm. Measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 3.21 carats.

NOTES: Upon request we can set your gemstone as a ring, earring, or pendant.

DETAIL: Jade was extremely valuable in ancient China, there are records of an entire city being traded for a carved ornamental jade piece. Jade jewelry can be found in the tombs of Ancient China's emperors dating back to the 4th millennium B.C. A nice quality 19th century antique hand crafted/shaped/polished semi-precious jade gemstone Burma (present day Myanmar). Hand crafted from genuine jade from some of the world's finest jadeite deposits in Burma (Myanmar); this is a beautiful semi-precious gemstone possessing a very rich and handsome appearance. This gorgeous, vibrant rich green jadeite is highly prized, and can be quite costly. No two pieces of jade are identical, so you can be sure that this gemstone could be fashioned into a completely unique piece of jewelry. Under magnification the gemstone 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 detrimental to the value of a gemstone. In fact 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.

This gemstone has great uster and color, and to the eye is essentially without blemish; but it is not absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes it possesses are virtually invisible to the naked eye, and the gemstone can be characterized, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". However magnified 500%, as it is here, you can see slight imperfections (included material) within the gemstone and occasional irregularities in the finish. Keep in mind however that 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: The highest quality and rarest form of jade is known as "jadeite", and is found almost exclusively in Burma, 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".