Two Uncommon Antique Genuine Natural Celanese Vibrant Purple Faceted Brilliant Cut Round Sapphires.

CLASSIFICATION: Faceted Brilliant Cut Round Purple Sapphires.

ORIGIN: Ceylon. 19th Century.

SIZE: Diameter: 3mm. Thickness (Depth): 2mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: Approximately 0.24 Carats (the pair).

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

DETAIL:Two exquisite, stunning, delicate, gorgeous, naturally purple colored sapphires from Ceylon (Sri Lanka). These gemstones have been hand faceted in "brilliant cut" rounds, the same finish generally given to round diamonds. They are cut and faceted just like diamonds, and they look just like little purple diamonds. Purple sapphires are amongst the more rare of colored sapphires, and these two specimens have been hand cut into beautifully faceted brilliant cut precious gemstones. The color is quite fantastic, a gorgeously bright purple with pink undertones, the perfect color perhaps for chiffon. The color is incredibly delicate, and shows pink undertones depending upon at which angle the gemstones reflect light. Very few gemstones possess such a rare and beautiful hue. It is a bit reminiscent of a purple-pink rose bud, except the color is much more delicate, and is full of fire and sparkle. The character and visual appeal is not unlike bright, sparkling violet-pink diamond.

High quality purple sapphires such as these are increasingly difficult to acquire at anything approaching a reasonable price. They are very nice quality gemstones, at a minimum eye clean and without discernible flaws. The trained eye will easily discern from the photo that the gemstones have 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.

HISTORY: Sapphires have been since ancient times one of the most highly valued of all gemstones, and references to the gemstone date back to about 800 B.C. The name "sapphire" comes from the Latin "sapphirus" and the Greek "sappheiros", which translates to "blue" in both languages. The name sapphire is also a derivative of the ancient Hebrew and Persian word for "blue" as well. To the ancient Romans however, the word "sapphirus" actually referred to lapis lazuli, another blue gemstone. What the Romans called blue sapphire translates to "hyacinth"; the green sapphire was "emerald", and the purple sapphire was "amethyst". In the ancient Mediterranean world, priests and sorcerers honored the sapphire above all other gems. They believed that the sapphire enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future.

The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on an enormous sapphire, and the sky reflected its beautiful color. They referred to the sapphire as "the gem of the heavens". As the centuries passed, European royalty came to favor sapphire believing the stone would provide protection from harm. Throughout Medieval Europe, the sapphire was thought to give the wearer strengthened vision, including visions of the future. Sapphire was regarded as an antidote to black magic and effects of evil spirits. It was held to be a symbol of truth and constancy. Sapphires are a member of the corundum family, and close relative to the ruby. In fact, a ruby is simply a red sapphire. The sapphire is considered one of the most valuable of precious stones. The principal sources of sapphire in modern history are Russia, Siam, Ceylon, Burma, Africa, and Australia.

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".