Antique Genuine Natural Burmese Lime Green Three-Quarter Carat Peridot Semi-Precious Gemstone Faceted Oval.

CLASSIFICATION: Faceted Peridot Oval.

ORIGIN: Burma. 19th Century.

SIZE: Length: 6mm. Width: 5mm. Depth: 4mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: Approximately 0.76 carats.

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

DETAIL: An absolutely gorgeous, pastel green faceted peridot semi-precious gemstone originally from Burma, hand crafted into this sparkling faceted oval by a 19th century Russian artisan. High quality, transparent, at a minimum eye clean, this brilliant, flashy gemstone possesses a beautiful, light, citrus character. It is a very handsome gemstone, with pastel citrus green color, of delicate character and airy texture. The color and tone are a distinct almost emerald green, with bright "lemony" undertones. The gemstone is exceptionally clean and bright, crystal clear, and nicely colored. The trained eye will easily discern from the photo that the gemstone has 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 machine processes, 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.

This gemstone has great luster and sparkle, and to the eye is completely transparent, but it is not absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes it possesses are not visible to the naked eye, and the gemstone can be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". To the eye it is indeed flawless; however magnified 500%, as it is here, you might be able to pick out one or two slight imperfections (included material) within the gemstone, barely perceptible even at such high magnification, and as well occasional irregularities in the faceting and 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 (if at all) only visible under high magnification.

HISTORY: The name is derived from the Arabic "faridat" meaning "gem". Peridot was mined on an island in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt known to the Greeks as Topazios as early as 1500 B.C., and eventually during the Crusades peridot was brought to Europe. The barren little island was one of the best-guarded areas of the ancient world, as the Egyptians so valued peridot that guards stationed on the island were given orders to kill anyone approaching the shore without permission. To the ancient Egyptians, the golden glow of Peridot symbolized "Ra", their sun god. It is believed that peridot was Cleopatra's favorite gemstone, and that biblical references to "crysolite" in the Old Testament actually refer to peridot. In medieval Europe peridot was worn as a talisman, believed to give its wearer foresight and divine inspiration, and that it was capable of dissolving enchantments.

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".