Two Antique Genuine Natural Handcrafted Burmese Lime Green One Carat Peridot Faceted Round Semi-Precious Gemstones.

CLASSIFICATION: Faceted Peridot Rounds.

ORIGIN: Burma. 19th Century. Handcrafted in or near Yekaterinburg, Russia. 19th Century.

SIZE: Diameter: 6mm. Depth: 3mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: Approximately 1.83 carats (combined weight).

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

DETAIL: 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. Here are two absolutely gorgeous, pastel green faceted peridot semi-precious gemstones originally from Burma. The gemstones were hand crafted and faceted 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. The faceted cut is a coarse precursor to what eventually became known in the industry as a "brilliant cut" round, the contemporary finish generally given to round diamonds. High quality, transparent, at a minimum eye clean, these brilliant, flashy gemstones possess a beautiful, light, citrus character. They are very handsome gemstones, 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 gemstones are exceptionally clean and bright, crystal clear, and nicely colored. 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 to 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-faceted gemstones. Unlike today's computer controlled machine produced gemstones that approach flawlessness in a perfect finish, the cut and finish of a handcrafted gemstone such as this is the legacy of an artisan who lived two centuries ago.

These gemstones have great luster and sparkle, and to the eye are completely transparent, but one cannot say with absolute certainty that they are absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes they possess are not visible to the naked eye, and the gemstones can be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". To the eye they are indeed flawless; however magnified many times over as they are here, you might be able to pick out one or two slight blemishes within the gemstones, barely perceptible even at such high magnification. Of course the same may said about almost any natural gemstone. An absolutely flawless gemstone simply is not the rule in nature. Most absolutely flawless gemstones will upon close examination be revealed to be synthetic. You might also notice under magnification occasional irregularities in the cut and finish.

Naturally 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. Keep in mind that 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. For these reasons 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. But for most, the unique nature and character of these antique gemstones more than makes up for the blemishes found within the gemstones, as well as the cutting irregularities common to handcrafted gemstones, all of which are by and large are only visible under magnification.

HISTORY: The name peridot 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".