Antique 19th Century Genuine Natural One and One-Half Carat Hand Crafted Siberian Emerald Green Apatite Semi-Precious Gemstone. Contemporary High Quality Sterling Silver Ring (Size 7 – Resizing Available).

CLASSIFICATION: Handcrafted Russian Apatite.

ORIGIN: 19th Century Chelyabinsk Oblast, Siberia, Russia.

SIZE: Length: 7 3/4mm. Width: 6mm. Thickness: 4mm. Measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 1.47 carats.

NOTE: Resizing is 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. 14kt solid gold settings are also available. 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: The name “apatite” comes from the Greek "apatein", which means "to deceive", “to cheat”, or "to be misleading", as in the ancient world apatite was often confused with other minerals such as topaz, beryl, sphene, peridot or tourmaline. The Greek name “apatein” also is associated with “Apate”, the Greek goddess of deceit, benefactor of politicians. A minor goddess in the Greek pantheon, she was the daughter of Nyx (the goddess of the night), and one of the spirits inside Pandora's box. Her Roman equivalent was Fraus ("fraud"). Her siblings were Geras, the personification of old age; Oizys, (suffering); Moros (doom); Momos (blame); Eris, (strife); Nemesis (retribution); and Keres (carnage and violent death). In the ancient world apatite was believed to enhance the wearer’s insight, learning abilities and creativity, and to give increased self-confidence. It was also believed useful in inducing deep states of meditation and in easing hypertension. It was also worn by athletes and soldiers who believed it useful in helping improve their coordination and to strengthen muscle.

Celebrating that cultural legacy here’s a very uncommon, good quality vividly hued, emerald green apatite semi-precious gemstone from the Chelyabinsk Oblast, Siberia, Russia. 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. Produced for indigenous jewelry in the nineteenth century, apatite gemstones of this size and quality are exceptional. Apatite is usually found just as small disseminated grains no larger than sand particles. Large well formed crystals whether cats eye or otherwise are rare, though enormous deposits are in the Kola Peninsula, (Siberia) Russia (see here). Apatite is a frequently clear gem that also comes in many colors, including green, yellow, blue, violet, and yellow-green. The name apatite comes from the Greek word "apate" that means, "to deceive", as it has frequently been confused throughout history with other valuable gems such as tourmaline, peridot and beryl.

Apatite is valued for its color, and while the better grade gemstones are transparent, as is this gemstone, they nonetheless typically possess rutile inclusions. In fact these rutile inclusions are what produces the rather pronounced “cat’s eye” effect in apatite catseye, another very collectible gemstone from the apatite mines in the Koa Peninsula. This particular gemstone has great luster and sparkle, and to the eye is transparent and to the cursory inspection of the casual admirer, seemingly clean. That’s not to suggest that it is without flaw, because if you inspect the gemstone closely, even with the naked eye, it is possible to make out a sharp seam of colorless crystalline material at the extreme boundary of the bottom of the gemstone (known as the “pavilion”). However the blemish is not even visible from many angles of view, and is not immediately discerned by the casual admirer. Even if you know that this colorless crystalline blemish exists, it requires fairly close inspection to pick it out.

It is actually much easier to find the colorless crystalline seam by turning the gemstone over, where it can be seen (and felt) at the very boundary of the pavilion. Even in these photo enlargements it is not immediately discernible, and is certainly not obnoxious or exceptionally prominent. Given that there’s only a single eye-discernible blemish, that’s quite extraordinary for an apatite gemstone, as they typically do contain rather distinct rutile (hair like) blemishes within the gemstone, as well as easily discerned inclusions composed of colorless crystalline material (as with the present specimen). 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. There are many other ring styles available, if you would like to see them, just contact us, we would be happy to share them with you. Most other setting styles in sterling silver are available at no additional cost. Additionally, if preferred, this mounting (as well as a wide variety of ring settings in other appealing styles) are also available in 14kt solid gold.

As might be expected under magnification the gemstone shows the unmistakable, hallmark characteristics of having been hand crafted. The coarseness of the antique, handcrafted finish is considered desirable to most gemstone aficionados, and is not considered a detriment, or detract from the value of a gemstone. These characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, many believe that such antique hand-crafted gemstones possess much greater character and appeal than today's mass-produced, laser-cut gemstones. Unlike today’s computer controlled machine produced gemstones that approach flawlessness in a perfect finish, the cut and finish of an antique, handcrafted gemstone such as this is the legacy of an artisan who lived two centuries ago.

Handcrafted though it may be the gemstone possesses great luster and sparkle, and to the eye is completely transparent, but it is not absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes it possesses are not immediately discerned by the casual admirer, and to use trade jargon the gemstone can be characterized as "near eye clean". To the view of the casual admirer the gemstone is seemingly without blemish. However magnified as it is here in the accompanying photo enlargements you can see the afore-described seam composed of colorless crystalline material, at the very back of the pavillion. Of course much 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, as perfect gemstones are the realm of laboratory-produced gemstones, not Mother Nature. You might also notice under magnification occasional irregularities in the cut and finish. Of course, 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. 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. It is precisely 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 these antique gemstones more than makes up for the blemishes found within the gemstones, as well as the cutting irregularities common to handcrafted gemstones, all of which are by and large (if at all) are only visible under magnification.

HISTORY OF APATITE: Apatite is a fairly rare gemstone. Though apatite itself is an exceedingly common mineral, transparent gemstone quality specimens are quite uncommon. Apatite is the mineral that makes up the teeth and bones in all vertebrate animals, from fish to man to dinosaur as well as their bones. In fact apatite is an elemental component of every living cell, plant and animal. Virtually all the phosphorus in the world today has either come from or is locked up in this one mineral, apatite, or what is called phosphate rock. It is quarried for use as a phosphate fertilizer.

Apatite gemstones are found in a variety of locations worldwide which include Russia, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, the USA, Spain, Brazil, Burma, Ceylon, India, Israel, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Apatite gemstones are most typically found in blue, but the range of colors includes colorless, pink, yellow, green, brown, red, purple and violet. The most valuable form is a purple-colored variety found in the state of Maine, USA. Some of the blue and yellow apatite show chatoyancy (the cat’s-eye effect) and can be cut as cat's-eye cabochon gemstones.

The name “apatite” comes from the Greek "apatein", which means "to deceive", “to cheat”, or "to be misleading", as in the ancient world apatite was often confused with other minerals such as topaz, beryl, sphene, peridot or tourmaline. The Greek name “apatein” also is associated with “Apate”, the Greek goddess of deceit, benefactor of politicians. A minor goddess in the Greek pantheon, she was the daughter of Nyx, and one of the spirits inside Pandora's box. 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 and medieval world apatite was believed to enhance the wearer’s insight, learning abilities and creativity, and to give increased self-confidence. It was also believed useful in inducing deep states of meditation. Athletes and soldiers believed it useful in helping improve their coordination and to strengthen muscles, and to help suppress hunger (or “appetite”) and ease hypertension. Wearing apatite was also believed useful in treating hyperactivity or its opposite, lethargy.

It was believed that an elixir of apatite could be prepared by allowing apatite gemstones to sit outdoors overnight, preferable under a full moon, in a glass container of water. The elixir was then drunken to help strengthen bones and heal and prevent joint pain. Contemporary healers and mystics believe that apatite is highly psychic, facilitating intuition and ESP, as well as enabling the wearer to make contact with and commune with the higher self. Regular meditation with apatite is said to steadily improve the wearer’s concentration and memory, while also enhancing intuition.

It is also said to facilitate visions of the future. Apatite is also believed to increase stability and common-sense, helping the user to “keep their feet on the ground” and help plan for success. Apatite is believed to foster peace and harmony through enhanced communication. Encouraging intellectual pursuits, apatite is said to stimulate thoughts and ideas that enhance the intellect, as well as aid focus, learning, and clarity of concentration. It is also used to foster acceptance, oceanic consciousness and unconditional love.

Both green and blue apatite are said to encourage the wearer’s humanitarian side, aiding the wearer’s effectiveness along the path of service. Blue apatite in particular is believed to help with self-expression, communication and creativity as it assists in defining and understanding the meaning and uniqueness in this life. It is used to help in the release of difficulties and to clear mental confusion, and is also thought to stimulate clairvoyance and help one receive past life insights. Green apatite is said to help one accept and appreciate one's full worth. Yellow apatite calms anxiety and speeds up one's thought processes when anxious and pressed to find the right solution to a problem.

Physically, apatite may decrease hunger and has been used to help control weight gain. Apatite is believed useful for healing, regeneration and to provide the stamina and courage needed to face difficult problems or a long-term illness. Apatite gemstones are worn to help bones heal faster and stronger, and to treat the pain of arthritis. It is also believed to aid the absorption of calcium from the foods you eat, which helps to keep bones and teeth strong. It can also be worn to lower blood pressure, as high blood pressure is often related to calcium.

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.