Antique 19thC ¾ct+ Green Sapphire: Ancient Etruscan Greek Roman Prophets Oracle

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Seller: Top-Rated Seller ancientgifts ✉️ (5,440) 100%, Location: Lummi Island, Washington, US, Ships to: WORLDWIDE & many other countries, Item: 122663375933 Antique 19thC ¾ct+ Green Sapphire: Ancient Etruscan Greek Roman Prophets Oracle.

Antique Nineteenth Century Genuine Natural Russian Three-Quarter Carat (Plus) Green Sapphire “Trilliant”.

CLASSIFICATION:  Faceted Green Sapphire “Trillion”.

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

SIZE:  Length:  9mm.  Width:  4mm.  Depth:  2 1/2mm.  All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT:  Approximately 0.88 carats.

NOTES: Upon request we can set your gemstones as a ring, pendant, or as earrings (click here for more information).

DETAIL:  The oldest sapphire jewelry unearthed by archaeologists has been of Etruscan origin, about sixth century B.C.  The Greeks and Romans are known to have worn sapphires from Ceylon, as described by writers from those times.  In the world of the ancient Mediterranean (including the Greeks, Romans, Persians, Hebrews, and the various Indo-European Celtic tribes), priests and sorcerers honored the sapphire above all other gems, believing that sapphire enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future.  Here’s a gorgeous, richly colored natural green sapphire precious gemstone from the Ural Mountains of (Siberia) Russia.  The gemstone was hand crafted and faceted 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.

The result of the artisan’s efforts was a sparkling precious gemstone with exquisite color.  The faceted cut is a coarse precursor to what eventually became known in the industry as a “trillion cut”, a three sided shape resembling a pyramid with rounded corners.  The trillion cut is very popular contemporarily with sapphire, but also ruby, aquamarine, topaz, amethyst, and peridot.  To the eye the gemstone is without flaw.  In fact even in a 5x jeweler’s loupe or in these photo enlargements, one cannot discern any blemishes.  It is not to suggest it is absolutely flawless, but it is without discernible blemish.  It is truly an exceptionally good quality green sapphire.  Good quality green sapphires are in high demand, and can be quite costly.  Unfortunately most seemingly flawless, transparent “sapphires” sold even by the largest and most reputable retailers in the United States are synthetic (read the fine print; and the same is true of emeralds and rubies).  However the Southern Ural Mountains of Russia have been producing good quality, natural sapphires for centuries.

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 has great luster and sparkle, and to the eye is completely transparent, but one cannot say with absolute certainty that it is absolutely flawless.  True, any blemishes it possesses are not visible to the naked eye, and even at 600% as in these photo enlargements here (or under a 5x jeweler’s loupe) there are no discernible flaws.  However we hesitate to use the word “flawless”, as sooner or later blemishes will show up at higher levels of magnification with almost every natural gemstone. 

An absolutely flawless gemstone is very rare in nature (and usually turns out to be synthetic).  However the gemstone can be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean".  To the eye it is indeed flawless; even to a 5x jeweler’s loupe it is clean.  However close examination with a jeweler’s loupe will however reveal occasional slight irregularities in the faceting and finish.  Naturally these characteristics are expected of hand-finished antique gemstones.  However for most, the unique nature and character of antique gemstones such as this more than makes up for imperfect finishes which by and large, are only noticed under high magnification.

HISTORY:  Sapphires have been since ancient times one of the most highly valued of all gemstones, and references to the gemstone date back to about 800 B.C.  In the ancient Mediterranean world (including the Greeks, Romans, Persians, Hebrews, and the various Indo-European Celtic tribes), priests and sorcerers honored the sapphire above all other gems.  They believed that the sapphire enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future.  Sapphire is also the original “true blue”, the gem of fidelity and of the soul. In the ancient world, a gift of a sapphire was a pledge of trust, honesty, purity, and loyalty. The oldest sapphire jewelry unearthed by archaeologists has been of Etruscan origin, about sixth century B.C.  The Greeks and Romans are known to have worn sapphires from Ceylon, as described by writers from those times.  Though some argue that the name sapphire is derived from its association with the planet and ancient deity Saturn (the name can be roughly be translated to mean “dear to the planet Saturn” in many different languages), most linguists and scholars agree that the name "sapphire" comes from the Latin "sapphirus" and the Greek "sappheiros", which translates to "blue" in both languages.  The name sapphire is also a derivative of the ancient Hebrew and Persian word for "blue" as well.

To the ancient Romans however, the word "sapphirus" actually referred to lapis lazuli, another blue gemstone.  According to Pliny, the first century Roman naturalist, what the Romans called blue sapphire (“cyanus”, from the Greek “cyan”, or “blue”) translates to "hyacinth"; the green sapphire was "emerald", and the purple sapphire was "amethyst".   However the “Saturn” origin theory is appealing in that in ancient Rome Saturn was a major god presiding over agriculture and the harvest time. His reign was depicted as a Golden Age of abundance and peace by many Roman authors, a mythical age when Saturn was said to have ruled.  In remembrance and celebration of that age, a great (week-long) feast called Saturnalia was held throughout the Roman Empire during the winter months around the time of the winter solstice. During Saturnalia, roles of master and slave were reversed, moral restrictions loosened, and the rules of etiquette ignored. It is thought that the festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia were the roots of the carnival ("Mardi Gras" in the USA). Roman depictions of Saturn generally showed the god with a sickle in his left hand and a bundle of wheat in his right. In the medieval world Saturn was known as the Roman god of agriculture, justice and strength.

The ancient Persians believed that the Earth was embedded into a gigantic blue Sapphire stone, and the sky reflected its beautiful color.  They referred to the sapphire as "the gem of the heavens”.  In ancient Persia, ground sapphire was used as an all purpose medicine.  One ancient recipe to enhance eyesight was to powder the stone and mix it with vinegar. The same recipe was used to treat nosebleeds. Sapphires were also used to treat fevers and rheumatism. When treating boils and external ulcers, they were ground and mixed with milk. The paste was then applied to the afflicted area.  Ancient Hebrew legends state that the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written were of blue sapphire, and biblical accounts record that King Solomon wore a great sapphire ring.  Monarchs of the ancient world wore sapphires around their necks as a powerful talisman protecting them from harm and attracting divine favor.   Archaeological finds tell us that Ceylon is more than likely to be the source for sapphire in the classical world.  In ancient Ceylon it was believed that star sapphire (a semi-opalescent gemstone extremely popular Victorian-era jewelry) served as a protective amulet and a guard against witchcraft.  Celanese sapphire would have reached the classical Mediterranean cultures via the ancient trading routes that crossed present day Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to India. Distribution within Europe was achieved using the extensive Roman road network which extended to all the corners of the Roman Empire.  It is also possible that some of the sapphire traded in the classical Mediterranean originated in India.

As the centuries passed European royalty came to favor sapphire believing the stone would provide protection from harm.  Throughout Medieval Europe, the sapphire was thought to give the wearer strengthened vision, including visions of the future.  In particular during the 11th and 12th centuries, sorcerers honored the sapphire more than any other stone as it enabled them to hear and understand the most obscure oracles. Not only did sapphire help to get in touch with astral and psychic realms, but the stone also provided protection for those who took those journeys.   Sapphire was regarded as an antidote to black magic and effects of evil spirits, and provided protection against sorcery.  It was believed to banish evil spirits and send negative spells back to the sender.   Sapphires were also used as a talisman by medieval travelers, who believed that a sapphire would protect the wearer from poisonous creatures, kill snakes hiding nearby, and provide advance warning against hidden dangers.  It was believed that if a sapphire were engraved with the figure of a man or a ram, that sapphire amulet would cure all illness and elevate the owner to a high position.

Sapphire was also held to be a symbol of truth and constancy, and in the 12th century, the Bishop of Rennes and Pope Innocent III (who launched the infamous Fourth Crusade which sacked Constantinople) praised the blue of the sapphire as representing heaven, and initiated its use in ecclesiastical rings and other ecclesiastical jewelry as symbolic of the Pontific title and the Seal of Mysteries.  One of the most ancient and well-known sapphires belonged to the England’s Edward the Confessor. According to legend the king met a poor man begging alms. He did not have cash so he gave away his sapphire ring. Many years later, some pilgrims from Jerusalem came to him and gave him back his ring, saying that soon the King would meet the favored beggar in Heaven. It turned out to be true; Edward died soon after that meeting, and his sapphire was buried with him in his grave. Two centuries later his grave was opened, the sapphire recovered, and to everybody's astonishment, the King's body was still intact. After that, the miraculous sapphire was given a cross-shape cut and was placed in the Westminster Abbey where the miracles continued; the stone was known to cure the blind as well as paralytics and epileptics. The “Sapphire of St. Edward” now resides in the Crown of the British Empire next to another famous sapphire, the one of Charles II.

Another unique sapphire can be found among the state insignia of Russia. A 200-carat stone from the Ceylon is set in the top of the orb, which is now kept in the Kremlin Treasury. The Muslim world also has its own sacred sapphire, the “Eye of Allah,” a gemstone that once belonged to the famous 18th century Persian conqueror Nader Shah. Medieval European populations believed wearing a sapphire suppressed negative thoughts, and possessed curative powers over natural ailments.  Sapphires were used as medicine for treatment of eye diseases and as an antidote for poison.  When touched against the eye, it was believed to remove impurities and restored sight.  Ivan the Terrible of Russia attributed to sapphire strength of the heart and muscles, endowing the wearer with courage.  Sapphires are a member of the corundum family, and close relative to the ruby.  In fact, a ruby is simply a red sapphire.  The sapphire is considered one of the most valuable of precious stones.   The most highly prized were the "cornflower blue" sapphires known as "Kashmir" sapphires, from Northern India.  Unfortunately the deposits were exhausted in the late 1800’s.   The principal contemporary sources of sapphire are Russia, Siam, Ceylon, Burma, Africa, and Australia.  The Museum of Natural History in New York is home to the one of the most notorious sapphires in the world, the “Star of India,” a star sapphire of 563 carats. 

Throughout the history of the ancient world, gemstones were believed capable of curing illness 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 these as well as other ancient cultures, it was believed that sapphires would aid in ridding oneself of unwanted thoughts, and that they would bring joy and peace of mind, opening the mind to beauty and intuition.  Medicinally sapphire was believed to promote general health, and was oftentimes ground up and consumed.  Sapphire was believed to be effective in reducing fevers, protected against mental illness, and to sharpen eyesight.  They were also believed to cure ulcers.  Psychologically sapphire was believed to aid the maintenance of inner peace, a healthy mental state, to calm nerves, and to promote mental clarity, helping with focus and concentration.  As such they were widely used as a remedy for mental and nervous disorders.

On the metaphysical side, sapphires were regarded as a stone of prosperity, sustaining the gifts of life, fulfilling the dreams and desires of the wearer, and eliminating frustration.  The sapphire has historically been identified with chastity, piety, and repentance, and was believed to foster wisdom and truth, and to increase perception and the understanding of justice.  It was believed conducive to finding peace of mind and serenity, and to promote a life of sincerity, helping preserve one’s innocence while learning life’s truths.  Sapphires were also associated with romantic love, representing fidelity, romantic devotion, truth, compatibility, commitment, and mutual understanding.  It was also worn as a talisman with the belief that it would increase one’s faith, hope, and joy, and would keep thoughts pure and heavenly.  Sapphires were also used as talismans for protection, to ward off diseases, and to bring peace, happiness, and intelligence.  Sapphire was known as the stone of serenity, helping one to meditate by providing mental calming.  As a tool for self improvement, sapphires were regarded to be a powerful and transformative gemstone which would help the wearer connect to the universe, opening the wearer’s internal and spiritual self to the powers of the universe.  Sapphire was also thought to increase communication with, connection to, and awareness of spirit guides, or angels.

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: Gemstone can be set as a ring or pendant in a wide variety of styles both in sterling silver as well as 14kt gold. Please ask to see photos of settings. Please see detailed condition description below (click “see full description” button on your cell phone or tablet, or "view all details" on your laptop).
  • Color: Green
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Material: Sapphire
  • Age: 1850-1899

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