Labradorite Pendant Finland 5½ct Antique 19thC Ancient Eskimo Northern Light Gem

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Seller: Top-Rated Seller ancientgifts ✉️ (5,440) 100%, Location: Lummi Island, Washington, US, Ships to: US & many other countries, Item: 122630785961 Labradorite Pendant Finland 5½ct Antique 19thC Ancient Eskimo Northern Light Gem.

Antique 19th Century Genuine Natural Five and One-Half Carat Hand Crafted Finnish Feldspar Labradorite Semi-Precious Gemstone.  Mounted into high quality solid sterling silver pendant (not cheap silver plated).

CLASSIFICATION:  Handcrafted Finnish Labradorite Feldspar.

ORIGIN:  19th Century Finland.  Handcrafted in 19th Century Yekaterinburg, Russia.

SIZE: Length:  14 1/2mm.  Width:  10mm.  Thickness:  6 3/4mm.  Measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 5.47 carats.

NOTE: Default chain is silver electroplate 16, 18, 20 or 24 inch (provided free).  Sterling silver chains are also available in lengths from 16 to 24 inches.  14kt solid gold pendant setting together with 14kt gold fill and solid 14kt gold chains in lengths from 18 to 24 inches are available upon request.

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:  According to an Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of Labrador, and then a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and freed most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still trapped within the stone however, and thus the shimmer of color which may be found within labradorite.  Native Indians of Labrador attributed mystical qualities to labradorite, using the powdered gem as a magical potion to cure their ailments.

Here’s a very rare, transparent yellow labradorite feldspar semi-precious gemstone.  Labradorite is generally an opaque gemstone with an iridescent surface (like abalone shell, or black opal).  However on very rare occasion a large crystal of labradorite feldspar will be found, and in even rarer instance, it will be transparent and facetable.  Labradorite is part of the feldspar family, and although feldspar makes up an estimated 60% of the earth’s crust, feldspar itself is very rarely found as a transparent, facetable gemstone.  Transparent, facetable feldspar labradorite gemstones are even more rare.  Here is such a rarity. 

The gemstone originated in Finland, where there are very large deposits of labradorite which have been exploited since antiquity.  This particular gemstone was hand crafted by a 19th century Russian artisan, part of an heritage renown for the production of the elaborate gemstones and jewelry of the Czars of Medieval, Renaissance, and Victorian Russia.  This specimen is particularly nice, absolutely clean to the unaided eye.  This is not to suggest that the gemstone is absolutely flawless, but even in a 5x jeweler’s loupe or in these photo enlargements, it is exceedingly difficult to discern any flaws.  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, and can be reset into 14kt gold if requested.  The default chain is silver electroplated 24 inch.  However we do have solid sterling silver (as well as 14kt gold and gold fill) chains available in lengths between 16 and 24 inches available upon request.

Under magnification the gemstone 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.  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-faceted 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.

This gemstone possesses superb luster and sparkle, and to the eye is completely transparent, but one cannot say with absolute certainty that it is unconditionally flawless.  True, the blemishes it possesses are not visible to the naked eye, and the gemstone can be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean".  To the eye it is indeed flawless; however were one to examine it in a jeweler’s loupe, it’s almost certain that a few minute blemishes could be detected.  Of course the same may said about almost any natural gemstone.  An absolutely flawless gemstone simply is not the rule in nature.  Most absolutely flawless gemstones will upon close examination be revealed to be synthetic.   You might also notice under magnification occasional irregularities in the cut and finish.  Naturally these characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, you must also consider that two centuries ago the mining techniques prevalent did not allow the ultra deep mining operations which are so common today. 

Keep in mind that 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.  For these reasons 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 minor blemishes both within the gemstone as well as in the finish, which by and large of course, are (if at all) only visible under high magnification.

LABRADORITE HISTORY:  Labradorite is a variety of feldspar closely related to “moonstone”, typically found in colors of gray, brown, green, blue, yellow, or colorless.  The most common variety of labradorite is best known for its play of colors called labradorescence. The labradorescence, or “schiller” effect (similar to the iridescence of pearl or opal), is most commonly blue in tone, however sometimes green, purple, gold and yellow, red, or bronze-toned flashes can be seen. The bright metallic looking colors created on the surface of the labradorite are seen as the stone is moved at different angles to a light source.  The iridescent shimmer of color has been compared with the wings of tropical butterflies, peacock feathers, black opal, black abalone mother-of-pearl, and the sheen of gasoline floating atop a puddle of water.  Labradorite is also known as "black rainbow" in India for its astonishing rainbow colored reflection. The variety of labradorite exhibiting the highest degree of labradorescence (typically in a black body) is called “spectrolite”, and is found only in (and is the national gemstone of) Finland.

Labradorite is also sometimes found as large transparent red, yellow, champagne, or colorless crystals which may be cut into faceted gemstones.  Labradorite was “officially discovered” on St. Paul Island in Labrador, Canada, in 1770. However, pieces of the gemstone also have been found among artifacts of the Native Americans in Maine. Archaeologists have also found reference to it by the ancient Indian tribes of Canada.  Calling it “firestone” because of its captivating play of color, the Native Indians of Labrador attributed mystical qualities to labradorite, using the powdered gem as a magical potion to cure their ailments.  According to an Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of Labrador, and then a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and freed most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still trapped within the stone however, and thus the shimmer of color which may be found within labradorite.

It turns out that despite the fact that the official “discovery” of labradorite is attributed to 1770, labradorite has actually been found in a number of countries, most European, many of which have produced the gemstone for centuries, if not millennia, including Russia, Finland, Norway, England, Scotland, Bavaria, Austria, and India (it is also been discovered in Australia and Madagascar in the past few centuries).  In fact, labradorite was accurately described by the first century Roman naturalist and historian “Pliny the Edler”.  There’s archaeological evidence that labradorite was used in Roman jewelry produced in England, and that it was also used by the “barbarian” Germanic tribes during the Roman era.  Labradorite has been used in Russian jewelry since the Medieval era.  Labradorite was immensely popular in eighteenth century France and England set into pins, bracelets, and brooches.

In ancient mythology, the radiance of labradorite was considered to have originated from the time when the earth was united with the sun.  According to legends attributed to Atlantis, it was believed to awaken the sleeping powers of insight, clairvoyance, creativity and knowledge.  Mystics and shamans valued labradorite very highly, employing it in magic, ritual and ceremonies.  Labradorite was also frequently associated in the ancient world with myths and deities that pertain to rainbows.  For example it was associated with Iris, the ancient Greek Goddess of rainbows; and in Norse Mythology with the “Bifrost Bridge”, a burning rainbow bridge which reached between “Midgard” (the profane world) and “Asgard” (the realm of the gods).  There are also references to labradorite being used in the Middle Ages to treat eye and brain disorders, and to help regulate metabolic and digestive processes.  An amulet of labradorite was also believed to protect the home from intruders.

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.  In the ancient world it was believed that labradorite brought good luck, and provided relief from anxiety, hopelessness and depression; replacing them with enthusiasm, self-confidence and inspiration.  Modern practitioners believed that labradorite enhances inner knowledge of “the mysteries”, intuition, psychic perception; elevating consciousness and amplifying psychic abilities such as psycho-navigation, shape shifting and in communication with spirits.

Labradorite is also said to energize the body and enhance productivity, aiding one to work productively for long periods without tiring, stimulating exercise, and to re-energize those who have been overworking.  It is also believed to be a powerful sleep aid, to enhance the ability of the wearer’s ability to relate to others, and positively reinforce the wearer’s originality, creativity, and confidence.  It is also believed to be useful in combating jealousy, and allegedly will cause negativity to “bounce off” the wearer.  Medicinally labradorite is contemporaneously used by healers to help relieve the effects of stress and tension, especially after long and arduous troubles.  It is also believed to be an effective aid in losing weight since the gemstone is thought to help balance the metabolism, and is also believed to be useful for the treatment of infertility, digestive disorders, eye and brain disorders, diseases of the joints and prostate gland.

Psychics and spiritualists claims that labradorite can be used to open channels of communication with spiritual beings, especially animal spirits, making the stone useful for anyone seeking a spiritual ally, totem or familiar. They claim it encourages self reliance, independence and magical revelations, and can reveal the wearer’s spiritual destiny.  It is believed to strength the wearer’s abilities in astral projection, dream recall, and to form a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind.  The yellow form of labradorite is believed to alleviate oppression and protect spiritual seekers who face discrimination or abuse because of their belief in “crystal power”.

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 eBay may not refund payment processing fees on returns beyond a 30-day purchase window. So except for shipping costs, we will refund all proceeds from the sale of a return item. Though they generally do, eBay may not always follow suit. 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: New without tags
  • Condition: Antique 19th century gemstone, contemporary (new) sterling silver pendant setting (USA). Other pendant setting styles 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).
  • Brand: Unbranded
  • Ethnic & Regional Style: Native American
  • Type: Pendant
  • Color: Yellow
  • Style: Pendant
  • Main Stone Color: Yellow
  • Metal: Sterling Silver
  • Main Stone: Labradorite

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