18thC Antique 8ct Seawater Blue Aquamarine + Ring: Ancient Mariner Talisman

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Seller: Top-Rated Seller ancientgifts ✉️ (5,440) 100%, Location: Lummi Island, Washington, US, Ships to: US & many other countries, Item: 383567781451 18thC Antique 8ct Seawater Blue Aquamarine + Ring: Ancient Mariner Talisman.

Antique 18th Century Genuine Natural Siberian Eight Carat Antique Seawater Blue-Green Aquamarine "Checkerboard" Faceted “Cushion Cut” ("Old Fashioned" Cut). Contemporary High Quality Sterling Silver Ring (Size 7 – Resizing Available).

CLASSIFICATION:  Aquamarine Checkerboard Faceted “Cushion Cut”.

ORIGIN:  The Ural Mountains, Siberia. 

SIZE:  15 mm long; 12mm wide; 7 mm thick (all measurements approximate).

WEIGHT:  8.05 carats.

NOTE:  Resizing is available.  14kt solid gold setting is also available. If you would prefer a different setting style, odds are we have many different setting styles available which would fit this stone(s) which could be substituted for no or very little additional cost.  Write us for pictures and prices.

NOTE:  If you would like only the gemstone, and not the setting, we can dismount the gemstone and offer you the gemstone without the setting.  Just let us know, and yes, we’ll discount the price by the cost of the setting.

DETAIL:  A gorgeous, pastel blue-green aquamarine semi-precious gemstone from the Ural Mountains of Russia.  Gorgeous, vibrant, and delicately hued, this striking gemstone possesses breathtaking luster and delicate hue.  This colossal gemstone was hand shaped and polished into this very beautiful checkerboard “cushion cut” gemstone by a 19th century Russian artisan.  This lustrous semi-precious gemstone possesses a rich and velvety character.  It is a nice quality aquamarine by 19th century standards.   The gemstone would be more or less transparent except for the fact that it is so thick.  Given the thick cut, it is more toward translucent than transparent.  By today’s standards it is not a high quality aquamarine – though its size makes it nonetheless extraordinary.  But by 19th century standards, this was a very desirable and expensive gemstone.  Closely related to emerald (also mined in Siberia), aquamarine is one of the less common, and more costly semi-precious gemstones.  Good quality aquamarine is in short supply and can be very costly.  However the Southern Ural Mountains of (Siberia) Russia have been producing quality aquamarine for centuries.

Under magnification the gemstone shows the unmistakable characteristics of having been hand crafted.  The coarseness of the vintage finish is considered appealing to most gemstone collectors, and is not considered a detriment, and does not 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-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. The gemstone possesses great luster and sparkle, wonderful color and texture, and to the eye is less transparent; but the gemstone is not flawless.  It could not even be characterized as exceptionally high quality.  In fact, it is quite typical of vintage gemstones both in quality and finish.  True, the blemishes it possesses are not immediately apparent to the naked eye under casual scrutiny.  However magnified 300%, as it is here, you can see minor imperfections (included material) within the gemstone and occasional irregularities in the finish.

Keep in mind however that these characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, you must also consider that two centuries ago the mining techniques even possible then, let alone in practice, 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 only visible under high magnification. The setting is of contemporary origin.  It is a high quality setting manufactured by one of the USA’s leading semi-custom mount producers.  It is constructed of solid sterling silver.  We do have the ability to have the ring sent out for resizing if requested.  Additionally, if preferred, the mounting is also available in 14kt solid gold.

HISTORY OF AQUAMARINE:  Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, as is emerald.  It can be found in blue, blue-green, and green; though the blue color is by far the most valuable.  The origin of the name "aquamarine" is Latin; "aqua", for water; "mare", for sea.  Ancient Greeks believed Aquamarine held the essence and spirit of the sea.  Wearing this stone as a talisman was believed to protect from adversities at sea, prevent sea sickness, and promote courage and a strong will, and to quicken the intellect.  Ancient Greek jewelers made extensive use of aquamarine, which came to them via Arabian camel caravan and ocean-going Mediterranean galleys.  The Romans also made extensive use of aquamarine in their jewelry.  The ancient Romans believed aquamarine would bring victory in battles and legal disputes, and could render soldiers invincible.  Roman bridegrooms gave the aquamarine as a wedding gift to their brides the morning after the consummation of the marriage, believing that the stone absorbed the atmosphere of young love, and that it was also effective in reawakening the love of married couples, and that wearing aquamarine would bring a happy marriage, bringing the woman joy and wealth.  According to Roman literature of the time, “when blessed and worn, aquamarine joins in love, and does great things.”

The ancient (first century A.D.) Roman Naturalist and Historian Pliny wrote of aqumarine, “the lovely aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid’s treasure house, in the depths of a summer sea, has charms not to be denied.”  Ancient Romans believed that if the figure of a frog was carved onto an aquamarine it would help to reconcile enemies and make them friends.  They also believed that Aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens (mermaids) and washed onto shore (and of course aquamarine was also associated with the planet Neptune as well).  So in addition to jewelry presented by bridegroom to bride, Roman mariners, fishermen, and those traveling over the sea wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune on his chariot (or with trident in hand or in the company of a dolphin), as protection against dangers at sea such as storms, sea monsters, etc.  Greek mariners of course did the same, but Neptune was known to them as “Poseidon”.  Ancient Egyptian Mariners shared similar beliefs.   Ancient fishermen believed that in addition to protecting them from the perils of sea, an aquamarine talisman would also increase the size of their catch. 

The ancient Romans believed aquamarine also had medicinal uses as well, regarded as useful in curing illnesses of the stomach, liver, jaws and throat (including coughing, hiccups, and toothaches). The association with water led to the belief that aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed.  In fact, immersing the aquamarine gemstone in water and then allowing it to soak up sunshine was believed to greatly magnify the strength of the gemstone.  The medicinal attributes of aquamarine were first recorded by the Latin Historian Damigeron in the second century B.C. “This stone is good besides for damage to the eyes, and for all sickness, if it is put in water and given as a drink.” Pliny also listed the stone in his treatise “Natural History” as an excellent cure for eye diseases. The eye was supposed to be washed in water in which an aquamarine was immersed. To cure serious eye ailments, it was recommended to place the powder of the gem in the eyes each morning.  Ancient Roman accounts recorded that the Emperor Nero used aquamarine as an eyeglass.  Far-fetched as that may seem, in Germany at one time aquamarine was used to produce eyeglasses to correct shortsightedness. In fact, the German name for eyeglasses, “brille”, is derived from the German name for the mineral, beryl (aquamarine is a variety of beryl).

Water in which aquamarine had been submerged was used in throughout the ancient world to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, kidneys, and mouth.  The gem was also credited with curing belching and yawning and was considered especially effective for curing ailments of the jaws including toothaches. When worn as an amulet, it was believed to bring relief of pain and to make the wearer friendlier, quicken the intellect and cure laziness.  The ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, and Hebrews all also valued aquamarine greatly. It was a regarded as a symbol of happiness and everlasting youth.  Aquamarine was also used in ceremonies in the belief that it would bring rain when needed, or visit drought upon enemies.  The first written descriptions of aquamarine date back to the fourth century B.C., and aquamarine amulets have been unearthed by archaeologists dating back to 500 B.C. 

There was also mention of aquamarine in the Bible as one of the foundations of the post-apocalyptic New Jerusalem, as well as being described as one of the twelve stones in the breastplate of Aaron, the High Priest, representing the twelve tribes of ancient Israel.  To Christians from the earliest times through the Medieval era aquamarine was identified with the Apostle St. Thomas, and symbolized harmony, happiness, innocence, youthfulness, purity, moderation and control of the passion.  It was worn for its amuletic properties, believed to help protect against evil and conquer wickedness, and also to ward off Satan.  In the Middle Ages Aquamarine was also believed to give the wearer insight and foresight. And if a person held an aquamarine in his mouth, it was said that he could call a devil from hell and receive answers to any questions he might ask.

During the Middle Ages the use of aquamarine as an antidote for poison was widespread throughout Europe.  William Langland’s “The Vision Concerning Piers and the Plowman,” written in 1377 A.D., mentions the aquamarine as an antidote for poison.  Because royal successions were so often hastened and brought forward by the poisoning of the reigning monarch, the gem was in great demand and fetched enormous prices.  As an antidote it was not necessary to pulverize the stone, as it was with other gemstones.  Simply wearing the stone as a pendant or in a ring was believed just as effective.  Wearing the gemstone as a talisman was also believed to protect against evil spirits.  Writers of the Middle Ages also claimed aquamarine was the most popular and effective of the “oracle” crystals. When cut as a crystal ball, it was thought to be a superior stone for fortune telling. Many methods of using the stone as a divining tool were described in ancient literature.

Aquamarine’s powers of revelation were also said to help one in search for lost or hidden things.  It was also believed that an aquamarine gemstone’s powers could be “recharged” and the color deepened by allowing it to sit in the light of a full moon for one night, but only one night.  Medieval soldiers also carried aquamarine as a talisman, believing that as did the Romans before them, it rendered them invincible.  In the Middle Ages aquamarine was still considered an effective remedy for problems involving visions, coughing, or toothaches; but it was also believed to relieve insomnia, melancholy, and act as a digestive aid and remedy for hearing problems.  It was also believed helpful in attracting a compatible spouse, and was thought to reveal true friends versus false, by changing color.

Throughout the history of the ancient world, gemstones were believed capable of curing illness, possessing valuable metaphysical properties, and providing protection.  Found in Egypt dated 1500 B.C., the "Papyrus Ebers" offered one of most complete therapeutic manuscripts containing prescriptions using gemstones and minerals.  Gemstones were not only valued for their medicinal and protective properties, but also for educational and spiritual enhancement.  In the ancient world aquamarine was believed to provide emotional and intellectual stability and enhance the connection to higher self.  It was believed to enhance one’s ability to think quickly, and to always be prepared.  It was also believed to help judgmental people to be more tolerant, to help bring order to those who were overwhelmed with responsibility, and to help individuals take responsibility for their actions.   Aquamarine was also believed to have a soothing influence on married couples,  helping husbands and wives work out their differences and ensuring a long and happy marriage.

Aquamarine was also believed to be beneficial in connection with emotional ailments such as disorientation and fear, providing a calming effect for those suffering from both spiritual and psychological disturbances, as well as those suffering from grief.  Intellectually it was believed to enhance communication and mental clarity, and was also regarded conducive for meditation as it was believed to quiet the mind and facilitate communication from higher planes.  Wearing aquamarine as a talisman was believed to improve the wearer’s overall sense of well-being, and to aid those for whom procrastination was problematic.  As a talisman, it was also reputed to bring to the wearer courage, and provide motivation and reassurance in times of intense physical and emotional stress.  It was also believed to promote the wearer’s spiritual and psychic awareness, and to bring visions of the future.

Medicinally aquamarine was believed to assist in "cleansing" internal organs, to aid in digestion, and to cure sore throats, tooth aches, pain in the neck or jaw, headaches, glandular disorders (including lymph nodes), and was used to treat illnesses involving the lungs and eyes.  Aquamarine was also used to treat arthritis and varicose veins.  Reflecting the association between water and aquamarine, the gemstone was also believed to be an aid to fluid retention.  Contemporary practitioners and astrologists hold that since aquamarine symbolizes the natural element of water, aquamarine possesses the quality and energy of cleansing and purification, and strengthens the immune system.  It is also held that it is useful for treating eating disorders because of its ability to help heal the emotional problems that lie behind bulimia and anorexia.  It is also claimed as useful in the treatment of post traumatic stress syndrome.

HISTORY OF SILVER: After gold, silver is the metal most widely used in jewelry and the most malleable. The oldest silver artifacts found by archaeologists date from ancient Sumeria about 4,000 B.C. At many points in the ancient world, it was actually more costly than gold, particularly in ancient Egypt. Silver is found in native form (i.e., in nuggets), as an alloy with gold (electrum), and in ores containing sulfur, arsenic, antimony or chlorine. Much of the silver originally found in the ancient world was actually a natural alloy of gold and silver (in nugget form) known as “electrum”.

The first large-scale silver mines were in Anatolia (ancient Turkey) and Armenia, where as early as 4,000 B.C. silver was extracted from lead ores by means of a complicated process known as “smelting”. Even then the process was not perfect, as ancient silver does contain trace elements, typically lead, gold, bismuth and other metals, and as much as a third of the silver was left behind in the slag. However measuring the concentrations of the “impurities” in ancient silver can help the forensic jewelry historian in determining the authenticity of classical items. From Turkey and Armenia silver refining technology spread to the rest of Asia Minor and Europe.

By about 2,500 B.C. the Babylonians were one of the major refiners of silver. Silver “treasures” recovered by archaeologists from the second and third millenniums demonstrate the high value the ancient Mediterranean and Near East placed upon silver. Some of the richest burials in history uncovered by archaeologists have been from this time frame, that of Queen Puabi of Ur, Sumeria (26th century B.C.); Tutankhamun (14th century B.C.), and the rich Trojan (25th century B.C.) and Mycenaean (18th century B.C.) treasures uncovered by Heinrich Schliemann.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the skin of their gods was composed of gold, and their bones were thought to be of silver. When silver was introduced into Egypt, it probably was more valuable than gold (silver was rarer and more valuable than gold in many Mesoamerican cultures as well). In surviving inventories of valuables, items of silver were listed above those of gold during the Old Kingdom. Jewelry made of silver was almost always thinner than gold pieces, as indicated by the bracelets of the 4th Dynasty (about 2,500 B.C.) Queen Hetephere I, in marked contrast to the extravagance of her heavy gold jewelry.

A silver treasure excavated by archaeologists and attributable to the reign of Amenemhat II who ruled during the 12th Dynasty (about 1900 B.C.), contained fine silver items which were actually produced in Crete, by the ancient Minoans. When the price of silver finally did fall due to more readily available supplies, for at least another thousand years (through at least the 19th dynasty, about 1,200 B.C.) the price of silver seems to have been fixed at half that of gold. Several royal mummies attributable to about 1,000 B.C. were even entombed in solid silver coffins.

Around 1,000 B.C. Greek Athenians began producing silver from the Laurium mines, and would supply much of the ancient Mediterranean world with its silver for almost 1,000 years. This ancient source was eventually supplemented around 800 B.C. (and then eventually supplanted) by the massive silver mines found in Spain by the Phoenicians and their colony (and ultimate successors) the Carthaginians (operated in part by Hannibal’s family). With the defeat of Carthage by Rome, the Romans gained control of these vast deposits, and mined massive amounts of silver from Spain, stripping entire forests regions for timber to fuel smelting operations. In fact, it was not until the Middle Ages that Spain’s silver mines (and her forests) were finally exhausted.

Although known during the Copper Age, silver made only rare appearances in jewelry before the classical age. Despite its infrequent use as jewelry however, silver was widely used as coinage due to its softness, brilliant color, and resistance to oxidation. Silver alloyed with gold in the form of “electrum” was coined to produce money around 700 B.C. by the Lydians of present-day Turkey. Having access to silver deposits and being able to mine them played a big role in the classical world. Actual silver coins were first produced in Lydia about 610 B.C., and subsequently in Athens in about 580 B.C.

Many historians have argued that it was the possession and exploitation of the Laurium mines by the Athenians that allowed them to become the most powerful city state in Greece. The Athenians were well aware of the significance of the mining operations to the prosperity of their city, as every citizen had shares in the mines. Enough silver was mined and refined at Laurium to finance the expansion of Athens as a trading and naval power. One estimate is that Laurium produced 160 million ounces of silver, worth six billion dollars today (when silver is by comparison relatively cheap and abundant). As the production of silver from the Laurium mines ultimately diminished, Greek silver production shifted to mines in Macedonia.

Silver coinage played a significant role in the ancient world. Macedonia’s coinage during the reign of Philip II (359-336 B.C.) circulated widely throughout the Hellenic world. His famous son, Alexander the Great (336-323 B.C.), spread the concept of coinage throughout the lands he conquered. For both Philip II and Alexander silver coins became an essential way of paying their armies and meeting other military expenses. They also used coins to make a realistic portrait of the ruler of the country. The Romans also used silver coins to pay their legions. These coins were used for most daily transactions by administrators and traders throughout the empire.

Roman silver coins also served as an important means of political propaganda, extolling the virtues of Rome and her emperors, and continued in the Greek tradition of realistic portraiture. As well, many public works and architectural achievements were also depicted (among them the Coliseum, the Circus Maximus). In addition many important political events were recorded on the coinage. Roman coins depicted the assassination of Julius Caesar, alliances between cities, between emperors, between armies, etc. And many contenders for the throne of Rome are known only through their coinage.

Silver was also widely used as ornamental work and in other metal wares. In ancient cultures, especially in Rome, silver was highly prized for the making of plate ware, household utensils, and ornamental work. The stability of Rome’s economy and currency depended primarily on the output of the silver mines in Spain which they had wrested from the Carthaginians. In fact many historians would say that it was the control of the wealth of these silver mines which enabled Rome to conquer most of the Mediterranean world. When in 55 B.C. the Romans invaded Britain they were quick to discover and exploit the lead-silver deposits there as well.

Only six years later they had established many mines and Britain became another major source of silver for the Roman Empire. It is estimated that by the second century A.D., 10,000 tons of Roman silver coins were in circulation within the empire. That’s about 3½ billion silver coins (at the height of the empire, there were over 400 mints throughout the empire producing coinage). That’s ten times the total amount of silver available to Medieval Europe and the Islamic world combined as of about 800 A.D. Silver later lost its position of dominance to gold, particularly in the chaos following the fall of Rome. Large-scale mining in Spain petered out, and when large-scale silver mining finally resumed four centuries after the fall of Rome, most of the mining activity was in Central Europe.

By the time of the European High Middle Ages, silver once again became the principal material used for metal artwork. Huge quantities of silver from the New World also encouraged eager buyers in Europe, and enabled the Spanish to become major players in the late Medieval and Renaissance periods. Unlike the ores in Europe which required laborious extraction and refining methods to result in pure silver, solid silver was frequently found as placer deposits in stream beds in Spain’s “New World” colonies, reportedly in some instances solid slabs weighing as much as 2,500 pounds. Prior to the discovery of massive silver deposits in the New World, silver had been valued during the Middle Ages at about 10%-15% of the value of gold.

In 15th century the price of silver is estimated to have been around $1200 per ounce, based on 2010 dollars. The discovery of massive silver deposits in the New World during the succeeding centuries has caused the price to diminish greatly, falling to only 1-2% of the value of gold. The art of silver work flourished in the Renaissance, finding expression in virtually every imaginable form. Silver was often plated with gold and other decorative materials. Although silver sheets had been used to overlay wood and other metals since ancient Greece, an 18th-century technique of fusing thin silver sheets to copper brought silver goods called Sheffield plate within the reach of most people.

At the same time the use of silver in jewelry making had also started gaining popularity in the 17th century. It was often as support in settings for diamonds and other transparent precious stones, in order to encourage the reflection of light. Silver continued to gain in popularity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and by the 20th century competed with gold as the principal metal used in the manufacture of jewelry. Silver has the highest thermal and electrical conductivity of any metal, and one of the highest optical reflectivity values. It has a brilliant metallic luster, is very ductile and malleable, only slightly harder than gold, and is easily worked and polished.

When used in jewelry, silver is commonly alloyed to include 7.5% copper, known as “sterling silver”, to increase the hardness and reduce the melting temperature. Silver jewelry may be plated with 99.9% pure ‘Fine Silver’ to increase the shine when polished. It may also be plated with rhodium to prevent tarnish. Virtually all gold, with the exception of 24 carat gold, includes silver. Most gold alloys are primarily composed of only gold and silver. Throughout the history of the ancient world, gemstones were believed capable of curing illness, possessed of valuable metaphysical properties, and to provide protection. Found in Egypt dated 1500 B. C., the "Papyrus Ebers" offered one of most complete therapeutic manuscripts containing prescriptions using gemstones and minerals.

Gemstones were not only valued for their medicinal and protective properties, but also for educational and spiritual enhancement. Precious minerals were likewise considered to have medicinal and “magical” properties in the ancient world. In its pure form silver is non toxic, and when mixed with other elements is used in a wide variety of medicines. Silver ions and silver compounds show a toxic effect on some bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi. Silver was widely used before the advent of antibiotics to prevent and treat infections, silver nitrate being the prevalent form. Silver Iodide was used in babies' eyes upon birth to prevent blinding as the result of bacterial contamination.

Silver is still widely used in topical gels and impregnated into bandages because of its wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The recorded use of silver to prevent infection dates to ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, the ancient (5th century B.C.) Greek "father of medicine" wrote that silver had beneficial healing and anti-disease properties. The ancient Phoenicians stored water, wine, and vinegar in silver bottles to prevent spoiling. These uses were “rediscovered” in the Middle Ages, when silver was used for several purposes; such as to disinfect water and food during storage, and also for the treatment of burns and wounds as a wound dressing.

The ingestion of colloidal silver was also believed to help restore the body's “electromagnetic balance” to a state of equilibrium, and it was believed to detoxify the liver and spleen. In the 19th century sailors on long ocean voyages would put silver coins in barrels of water and wine to keep the liquid potable. Silver (and gold) foil is also used through the world as a food decoration. Traditional Indian dishes sometimes include the use of decorative silver foil, and in various cultures silver dragée (silver coated sugar balls) are used to decorate cakes, cookies, and other dessert items. [AncientGifts].

SHIPPING & RETURNS/REFUNDS: Your purchase will ordinarily be shipped within 48 hours of payment. We package as well as anyone in the business, with lots of protective padding and containers. All of our shipments are fully insured against loss, and our shipping rates include the cost of this coverage (through stamps.com, Shipsaver.com, the USPS, UPS, or Fed-Ex). International tracking is provided free by the USPS for certain countries, other countries are at additional cost. ADDITIONAL PURCHASES do receive a VERY LARGE discount, typically about $5 per item so as to reward you for the economies of combined shipping/insurance costs. We do offer U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail, Registered Mail, and Express Mail for both international and domestic shipments, as well United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (Fed-Ex). Please ask for a rate quotation. We will accept whatever payment method you are most comfortable with.

Please note for international purchasers we will do everything we can to minimize your liability for VAT and/or duties. But we cannot assume any responsibility or liability for whatever taxes or duties may be levied on your purchase by the country of your residence. If you don’t like the tax and duty schemes your government imposes, please complain to them. We have no ability to influence or moderate your country’s tax/duty schemes. If upon receipt of the item you are disappointed for any reason whatever, I offer a no questions asked 30-day return policy. Send it back, I will give you a complete refund of the purchase price; 1) less our original shipping/insurance costs, 2) less any non-refundable eBay fees. Please note that though they generally do, eBay may not always refund payment processing fees on returns beyond a 30-day purchase window. So except for shipping costs and any payment processing fees not refunded by eBay, we will refund all proceeds from the sale of a return item. Obviously we have no ability to influence, modify or waive eBay policies.

ABOUT US: Prior to our retirement we used to travel to Eastern Europe and Central Asia several times a year seeking antique gemstones and jewelry from the globe’s most prolific gemstone producing and cutting centers. Most of the items we offer came from acquisitions we made in Eastern Europe, India, and from the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean/Near East) during these years from various institutions and dealers. Much of what we generate on Etsy, Amazon and Ebay goes to support worthy institutions in Europe and Asia connected with Anthropology and Archaeology. Though we have a collection of ancient coins numbering in the tens of thousands, our primary interests are ancient/antique jewelry and gemstones, a reflection of our academic backgrounds.

Though perhaps difficult to find in the USA, in Eastern Europe and Central Asia antique gemstones are commonly dismounted from old, broken settings – the gold reused – the gemstones recut and reset. Before these gorgeous antique gemstones are recut, we try to acquire the best of them in their original, antique, hand-finished state – most of them originally crafted a century or more ago. We believe that the work created by these long-gone master artisans is worth protecting and preserving rather than destroying this heritage of antique gemstones by recutting the original work out of existence. That by preserving their work, in a sense, we are preserving their lives and the legacy they left for modern times. Far better to appreciate their craft than to destroy it with modern cutting.

Not everyone agrees – fully 95% or more of the antique gemstones which come into these marketplaces are recut, and the heritage of the past lost. But if you agree with us that the past is worth protecting, and that past lives and the produce of those lives still matters today, consider buying an antique, hand cut, natural gemstone rather than one of the mass-produced machine cut (often synthetic or “lab produced”) gemstones which dominate the market today. We can set most any antique gemstone you purchase from us in your choice of styles and metals ranging from rings to pendants to earrings and bracelets; in sterling silver, 14kt solid gold, and 14kt gold fill. When you purchase from us, you can count on quick shipping and careful, secure packaging. We would be happy to provide you with a certificate/guarantee of authenticity for any item you purchase from us. There is a $3 fee for mailing under separate cover. I will always respond to every inquiry whether via email or eBay message, so please feel free to write.

  • Condition: Antique 18th century gemstone, contemporary (new) sterling silver ring setting (USA). Other ring setting styles/sizes are also available, both in sterling silver as well as 14kt gold. Please see detailed condition description below (click "additional details" button on your cell phone or tablet).

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