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Two Sensational Antique Genuine Natural Burmese Quarter Carat (Plus) Faceted Blue Zircon Round Semi-Precious Gemstones.

CLASSIFICATION: Faceted Blue Zircon Rounds.

ORIGIN: Burma. 19th Century.

SIZE: Approximate Diameter: 4mm. Approximate Thickness: Between 3mm and 3 1/2mm.

WEIGHT: Approximately 0.57 carats (the pair).

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

DETAIL: Two gorgeous, sparkling, blue zircon faceted round gemstones from Burma. These gemstones have been hand faceted into a cut which closely approximates a contemporary "brilliant cut" or "diamond faceted" round, the same finish generally contemporarily given to round diamonds. These are crystal clear, flawless semi-precious gemstones with virtually all the fire and brilliance of diamonds. They are cut and faceted just like diamonds, and they look just like diamonds. They truly are very beautiful, natural gemstones, and will easily fool most anyone, even many jewelers, into believing that they are light blue, aquamarine-colored diamonds. They are exceeding difficult to distinguish from the highest quality diamonds. 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.

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 this more than makes up for included imperfections which by and large, are (if at all) only visible under high magnification.

HISTORY: The word zircon originated in the 18th century from the Persian word "Zargon", which means "gold colored", due to the yellow color of the zircon gemstones found there. In history the first references are in Hindu mythology, many thousands of years old. In Europe in the Middle Ages zircon was also worn by travelers as a protective amulet, and was believed to ward off lightning strokes. Historically this colorless form of Zircon, known as "Matara diamond", has been the most popular and the most costly. This colorless form of zircon looks more like diamond than any other natural stone due the high refractive index of zircon. These physical properties cause zircon to come very close to diamonds in fire and brilliancy. Blue zircon was immensely popular in the 1880's and was used extensively in Victorian jewelry. Blue zircon and colorless zircon remain the most sought after and costly forms of zircon.

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".