Two Genuine, Natural, Antique, Handcrafted Delicately Carved Emerald Green Aventurine Quartz Crystal Semi-Precious Gemstones on 14kt Gold Fill French Hooks.

Two antique hand crafted gemstones, one on each hook, each about 11mm*9mm, each in excess of 3 carats, mounted onto high quality 14kt gold fill (not cheap electroplate) french hooks. Four hand carved white agate accent beads.

NOTE: 14kt solid gold settings and other setting styles (studs, lever backs, euro clicks, kidney wires, ball/stud dangles, fancy dangles, etc., are available upon request, as are sterling silver settings.

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

DETAIL: Various types of quartz gemstones have been used in religious and shamanistic ceremonies for thousands of years. In the ancient Greek world quartz was utilized in the Eleusinian mysteries, initiation ceremonies held every year for the cult of Demeter and Persephone based at Eleusis in ancient Greece, to produce the sacred fire by concentrating the heat of the sun to ignite wood chips. The ancient Celts used rock crystal amulets to give the water of healing wells a magical potency. Running brooks produced healing water as well. Quartz “star stones” were collected from a running brook, placed in boiling water from the same brook, and then the water, imbued with the curative power of the quartz gemstones, was then given to the patient. Colorless quartz (“crystals”) were also long thought by ancients to be petrified ice. Ancient Persians believed that quartz amulets placed on a baby ensured the infant’s proper nutrition. There are many examples in various museums throughout the world of carved quartz stones that were popular in Greece and Rome as intaglios for signet rings.

Celebrating this historical inheritance here are two very nice, delicately carved emerald green aventurine gemstones; translucent approaching transparent. They were handcrafted in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century in Siberian Russia, in or near Yekaterinburg, part of an heritage renown for the production of the elaborate gemstones and jewelry of the Czars of Medieval, Renaissance, and Victorian Russia. The gemstones were hand carved into a form mimicking leaves, and hand drilled. These antique gemstones have been mounted onto high quality contemporary 14kt gold fill french hooks. These are not cheap gold electroplate earrings - they are genuine 14kt gold fill earrings, USA manufactured, designed to last a lifetime. It's a first-class piece of jewelry throughout. Though the gemstones are antique, hand crafted and hand matched, the settings are contemporary. They could also be remounted onto kidney wires, lever backs, euroclicks, or ball studs if you would prefer; or remounted onto 14kt solid gold hooks; or if you prefer onto sterling. Though the gemstones are antique, keep in mind that the 14kt gold fill hooks and pins are contemporary.

As might be expected under magnification the gemstones show the unmistakable characteristics of having been hand crafted. The coarseness of the handcrafted finish is considered appealing to most gemstone aficionados, and is not considered a detriment, or detract from the value of such gemstones. These characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, many believe that such 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 a handcrafted gemstones such as these is the cultural legacy passed onwards by artisans who lived centuries ago.

Handcrafted though they may be the gemstones have great luster and character, but that is not to imply that they are absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes they possess are virtually invisible to the naked eye, and to the view of the casual admirer the gemstones are indeed seemingly without blemish. However in the accompanying photo enlargements you may be able to pick out a few slight blemishes, barely discernible even at magnification. Of course much the same may said about almost any gemstones of natural origin. Absolutely flawless gemstones simply are 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 much the same may said about almost any handcrafted gemstones. Slight finishing irregularities are characteristics which are absolutely to be expected with hand-finished gemstones. And for most, the unique nature and character of handcrafted gemstones more than makes up for minute cutting and/or finishing blemishes, which by and large of course, are (if at all) only visible under high magnification.

HISTORY OF AVENTURINE: Aventurine is a variety of chalcedony quartz characterized by its translucency and sparkly metallic inclusions which usually result in medium to dark green stones with a silvery green or blue sheen. The metallic inclusions give aventurine a unique sparkling iridescent effect, known as aventurescence. In addition to muscovite mica, hematite, goethite or boron may also be present and also produce iridescent properties. Aventurine is found in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, Chile, China, Finland, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Tibet, and the USA.

Though green is the most common color of aventurine, it may also be found in blue, brown, white, peach, yellow, or orange, as well as shades in between (such as blue-green). The color of the stone depends on the mineral impurities contained within. Green aventurine contains a chrome-bearing mineral known as fuchsite mica, which imparts not only the classic green color, but the silvery sheen as well. Blue aventurine gains its color from the mineral dumortierite or from other aluminous sediments containing boron. Orange and brown aventurine gains its color from either hematite or goethite.

Green aventurine has been mined in India for millennia (particularly in the vicinities of Mysore and Madras), where it is sometimes referred to as “Indian Jade”. It has been mined in China for millennia as well, and is known as the "imperial stone”. In Russia golden-colored "goldstone" is produced from deposits in the Ural Mountains, and green adventurine is produced from deposits in the area of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly. Throughout Asia and Europe aventurine has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, as well as for ornamental objects such as vases, bowls, and figurines.

Some of mankind’s earliest known primitive tools were composed of aventurine quartz, discovered in Ethiopia's Omo Valley. Many of the tools date back more than two and a half million years. Aventurine is a superior material for tool-making because of its excellent hardness, and a brittleness that allows it to be flaked into blades relatively easily. Aventurine has had a complicated relationship with mankind in millennia past. Ancient Hindus believed that a talisman of aventurine calmed the wearer’s emotions and enhanced creativity. Elsewhere in the East mystics associated aventurine with moon magick. A legend from ancient Tibet says that aventurine was used to improve nearsightedness and to increase the wearer's creativity.

As well (and more recently), aventurine has been a popular fertility charm for hundreds of years, the belief being that a piece of aventurine in the bedroom or under the pillow enhanced fertility. Sources recommend a rounded stone for women and an oval or long stone for men, mirroring the sexual symbolism found in many ancient fertility rituals and sacred sites. Green aventurine has also been worn in Asia for many centuries for good luck, and a talisman of green aventurine was and remains very popular with gamblers. In Europe’s recent past large aventurine rings were very popular in Victorian England. Legends also record the use of aventurine as an all-purpose healer, used to reduce stress, develop confidence, imagination and improve prosperity.

Throughout history, gemstones were believed capable of curing illness as well as to providing both psychic and physical protection. Found in Egypt dated 1500 B. C., the "Papyrus Ebers" offered one of most complete therapeutic manuscripts containing prescriptions using gemstones and minerals. In the eastern civilizations of China, India, and Tibet, gemstones were not only valued for their medicinal and protective properties, but also for educational and spiritual enhancement. The medicinal uses of aventurine included, as mentioned above, use as an all-purpose health tonic and as a stress-reducer. In centuries past aventurine was used in China and elsewhere in Asia to treat cardiovascular and circulatory diseases including high blood pressure, as well as to treat bronchitis and colds, dermatitis, and hair loss.

In the twenty-first century Asia aventurine is still worn as a lucky talisman and is a popular stone for gamblers. Contemporary practitioners associate aventurine as the astrological birthstone for Taurus, and hold that it is useful for soothing the eyes and reliving migraine headaches, and recommend the gemstone for its “soothing” properties, suggesting that the gemstone can produce a better night's sleep. Medicinally contemporary practitioners use aventurine to treat disorders of the lungs and heart, believing that it can reduce cholesterol levels and prevent arteriosclerosis. It has also been used to sooth and heal urinary tract infections.

Aventurine is also recommended by many contemporary practitioners to help increase muscle flexibility and as a remedy for lower back ailments such as sciatica. It is also widely employed as an aid to draw out the heat of fevers and reduce inflammation in wounds and joints. Contemporary practitioners posit that green aventurine has the strongest healing energy, symbolizing tranquility, patience and creativity. It is also believed to be powerfully effective when combined with psychotherapy. Green aventurine is also believed to be the most effective color for treating heart and respiratory disorders, as well as to improve eyesight and vision.

And as a “lucky talisman”, it is green aventurine which is still believed to be the most potent compared to other colors available. Green aventurine is thought to stimulate dreams and have a positive effect on psychic ability. It is suggested by many that green aventurine is an effective aid in strengthening the wearer’s sense of self-esteem, and has the power to give its wearer a positive outlook towards life, allowing the wearer to recognize and appreciate their right to happiness, health and prosperity, and enabling the wearer to shed feelings of fear or unworthiness, depression or lethargy which may be preventing the wearer from achieving their full potential.

In short a talisman of green aventurine is believed to instill in the wearer optimism and perseverance, giving them the focus and determination needed to keep advancing on their goals, no matter how distant or unachievable they may appear. Green aventurine is also believed to be useful in easing anxiety and calming excess emotion, and to aid the wearer in making decisions from the heart, stimulating creative inspiration and giving the courage to live honestly and forthrightly around others. Green aventurine is also believed to be comforting, soothing, and supportive to the agitated mind, as well as to provide a sense of balance and inner equilibrium. Many practitioners maintain that green aventurine has the capability to calm a troubled spirit and bring about inner peace, and is useful for healing old traumas and emotional wounds, and enhancing the wearer’s cheerfulness and sense of humor.

Red aventurine on the other hand is said to boost vitality, creativity and mental alertness. It is thought to aid “romantic creativity”, making it a good gemstone for date night. It is also believed to be helpful in healing reproductive system, and sometimes to reverse diseases. In contrast a talisman of blue aventurine is thought to be helpful if the wearer is seeking inner strength or self-discipline, and is believed to enhance creativity and develop both confidence and leadership qualities, enabling the wearer to act decisively and enhance their intuition. The wearing of a blue aventurine amulet is also believed to enable the wearer to overcome bad habits. As is the case with green aventurine, blue aventurine is also said to provide patience, eliminate stubbornness, and control excitability. Medicinally blue aventurine physically is said to help the body release toxins.

Domestic shipping (insured first class mail) is included in the price shown. Domestic shipping also includes USPS Delivery Confirmation (you might be able to update the status of your shipment on-line at the USPS Web Site). Canadian shipments are an extra $14.99 for Insured Air Mail; International shipments are an extra $18.99 for Air Mail (and generally are NOT tracked; trackable shipments are EXTRA). 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. 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.

We do NOT recommend uninsured shipments, and expressly disclaim any responsibility for the loss of an uninsured shipment. Unfortunately the contents of parcels are easily “lost” or misdelivered by postal employees – even in the USA. If you intend to pay via PayPal, please be aware that PayPal Protection Policies REQUIRE insured, trackable shipments, which is INCLUDED in our price. International tracking is at additional cost. 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. If upon receipt of the item you are disappointed for any reason whatever, I offer a no questions asked return policy. Send it back, I will give you a complete refund of the purchase price (less our original shipping costs).

We travel to Russia each year seeking antique gemstones and jewelry from one of the globe’s most prolific gemstone producing and cutting centers, the area between Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg, Russia. From all corners of Siberia, as well as from India, Ceylon, Burma and Siam, gemstones have for centuries gone to Yekaterinburg where they have been cut and incorporated into the fabulous jewelry for which the Czars and the royal families of Europe were famous for. My wife grew up and received a university education in the Southern Urals of Russia, just a few hours away from the mountains of Siberia, where alexandrite, diamond, emerald, sapphire, chrysoberyl, topaz, demantoid garnet, and many other rare and precious gemstones are produced. Though perhaps difficult to find in the USA, antique gemstones are commonly unmounted 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 centuries old. 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.

Our interest in the fabulous history of Russian gemstones and the fabulous jewelry of the Czar’s led to further education and contacts in India, Ceylon, and Siam, other ancient centers of gemstone production and finishing. We have a number of “helpers” (family members, friends, and colleagues) in Russia and in India who act as eyes and ears for us year-round, and in reciprocity we donate a portion of our revenues to support educational institutions in Russia and India. Occasionally while in Russia, India, Siam, and Ceylon we will also find such good buys on unique contemporary gemstones and jewelry that we will purchase a few pieces to offer to our customers here in America. These are always offered clearly labeled as contemporary, and not antiques – just to avoid confusion. 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 me. There is a $2 fee for mailing under separate cover. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE."