Antique Genuine Natural Handcrafted Russian Twenty Carat Gorgeous Colored Blue Topaz Cabochon Oval.

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

CLASSIFICATION: Blue Topaz Cabochon Oval.

SIZE: Length: 18mm. Width: 13mm. Depth: 8mm (thickness).

WEIGHT: 20.14 carats.

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

DETAIL: A gorgeous, vibrantly colored blue topaz semi-precious gemstone from the Ural Mountains of (Siberia) Russia, where high quality topaz has been produced for centuries. Renown for the production of the fabled gemstones and jewelry of Russian Czars from the Medieval through Renaissance and Victorian Eras, this gemstone was hand cut and hand polished by a Russian artisan. Although topaz is found naturally in pale blue hues in the Southern Urals, it is possible that this gemstone was heated in order to deepen the blue - a very common practice today in the twenty-first century - but as well an occasional treatment in the nineteenth century. The gemstone was hand crafted into this gorgeous oval cabochon in the 19th century for use in indigenous jewelry. Gorgeous, vibrant, and vividly hued, this striking semi-precious gemstone is of good quality and possesses breathtaking luster.

The gemstone would certainly no less than eye clean except for a large colorless blemish which while unseen from many angles, is quite visible from other angles. The gemstone is absolutely transparent as you can see, it is just that this colorless precludes it from being what otherwise could be called "virtually flawless. Even under 500% enlargement such as these images here one is unable to detect any other blemishes. However under magnification the gemstone not only reveals this blemish (from certain angles), it also 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 a detriment, or detract from the value of a gemstone. But 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-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. 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 magnification.

The gemstone possesses great luster and color, and to the eye is completely transparent, but it is not absolutely flawless. True, except for the single colorless blemish it is otherwise unflawed. With this one exception, the gemstone could be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". To the eye it is indeed transparent and of superlative quality. But there is the one blemish which is easily discerned upon close inspection from certain angles. To casual scrutiny however, especially when mounted, it is simply a very large, very beautiful antique gemstone. The blemish is really only evident when one wishes to engage in a little "devil's advocacy". There are as well occasional irregularities in the cut 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 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".