Two Antique Genuine Natural Russian One and One-Half Carat Faceted Blue Topaz Brilliant Cut Rounds.

ORIGIN: The Ural Mountains, Russia. 19th Century.

CLASSIFICATION: Blue Topaz Faceted Rounds.

SIZE: Diameter: 7mm. Thickness: 5mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 2.88 carats.

NOTES: Upon request we can set your gemstones as rings, pendants, or into earrings (click here for more information).

DETAIL: Two gorgeous, sparkling pastel blue topaz semi-precious gemstone from the Ural Mountains of Russia. Gorgeous, vibrant, and vividly hued, these striking semi-precious gemstones are of very high quality and possess breathtaking luster. They have been hand faceted into sparkling brilliant cut rounds – the same finish commonly employed for diamonds. Cut like diamonds, they look like two very large pale blue diamonds, alive with sparkling flashes and the impression of great depth. These gemstones are virtually flawless, even under a 5x glass. Certainly to the eye they are nothing less than perfect, truly beautiful and regal-sized blue gemstones. 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 a gemstone 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.

These gemstones have great luster and sparkle, and to the eye are completely transparent, but they are not 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 500%, as they are here, you might be able to pick out one or two slight imperfections (included material) within the gemstones, 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 these more than makes up for included imperfections which by and large, are (if at all) only visible under high magnification.

HISTORY: The origin of topaz in the ancient world was a small island in the Red Sea known as Topazion, a Greek term meaning “to guess”. The island was typically obscured by fog, making it difficult for early navigators to find. Typically yellow, topaz in the ancient world was held as a talisman to protect against evil and was used to treat many different ailments including asthma. The ancient Greeks believed topaz would give great strength to whomsoever wore the stone, and was also worn as an amulet to ward off enchantment, In ancient Egypt the golden glow of yellow topaz symbolized "Ra", their sun god. There are also many references to "topaz" in ancient texts, including numerous references in the Bible. It is believed that the topaz of modern mineralogists was unknown to the ancients. Rather, that the stone called topazios was the mineral chrysolite or peridot. Likewise, the "topaz" referred to in the Old Testament was most likely chrysolite. Topaz is found in yellow, orange, green, blue, red, and white (colorless) hues. Topaz is one of the hardest minerals in nature, and for that reason, highly valued as a gemstone.

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".