RARE Exceptionally Good Quality One and One-Half Carat Antique Nineteenth Century Genuine Natural Handcrafted Russian Multi-Color Faceted Oval Cut Andalusite Semi-Precious Gemstone. Contemporary High Quality Sterling Silver Ring (Size 8 – Resizing Available).
CLASSIFICATION: Faceted Andalusite Oval.
ORIGIN: Chelyabinsk Oblast, South Ural Mountains, Siberia, Russia, 19th Century. Ring Setting is contemporary.
SIZE: Length: 9mm. Width: 7mm. Thickness (Depth): 3 1/4mm. All measurements approximate.
WEIGHT: Approximately 1.53 carats.
NOTES: 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.
DETAIL: One variety of andalusite was known in the ancient world as “lapis crucifer”, or “chiastolite”. These gemstones, translucent to near-transparent, contain inclusions of graphite which almost always are in the form of a cross when the gemstone is cut into cross-sections (like a log or sushi roll cut into slices). Though particularly popular as a religious amulet, the “lapis crucifer” gemstone was also popular with the general population of Medieval and Renaissance Europe as well. It was believed that if the gemstone was worn so as to touch the skin, it would staunch the flow of blood. It was also thought to increase the secretion of milk. If a “lapis crucifer” talisman was worn suspended from the neck, it was thought to cure almost any kind of fever, and the divine symbol it bore served to drive away evil spirits from the vicinity of the wearer. Here’s an extraordinary, transparent multi-color gemstone grade andalusite from the Ural Mountains of Southern Siberia (Russia). Like alexandrite, andalusite is a relatively rare gemstone which is best known for displaying multiple colors ranging from yellow and orange through red and green. In this particular specimen the body of the gemstone is a beautiful gold color, with remarkably vibrant and intense, almost “neon” sparkles/highlights of orange and…believe it or not…green!. The gemstone also has a relatively high refractive index, accounting for its intense brilliance and sparkle.
This particular 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. As you can see in these photo enlargements, the gemstone is absolutely clean to the unaided eye. Even in these 600% photo enlargements it is exceedingly difficult to discern what blemishes that the gemstone might possess, if any. It may be conservatively described as “eye clean”. 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.
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.
This gemstone possesses superb luster and sparkle, and to the eye is completely transparent, but one cannot really say that it is absolutely flawless, as most gemstones which are “absolutely flawless” turn out to be synthetic. However whatever blemishes this gemstone might possess are not visible to the naked eye, or even in these photo enlargements, and the gemstone can be characterized to use trade jargon, as "eye clean", if not “loupe clean”. To the eye it is indeed flawless; however magnified as it is here in these photo enlargements, or in a 5x jeweler’s loupe, you might be able to just barely pick out one or two slight imperfections within the gemstone, barely perceptible even at such high magnification. Of course the same may said about almost any natural gemstone. 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 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 a slightly irregular finish and minute blemishes, characteristics which by and large, are only visible under magnification.
ANDALUSITE HISTORY: Andalusite from southern Spain was first described in literature in 1789. It’s likely that it was known in antiquity, but probably confused with another gemstone such as tourmaline, yellow topaz, or perhaps even citrine. When you consider the number of countries which were part of the Classical Mediterranean, in which andalusite has been discovered, it seems inevitable that it was used at some point in antiquity. Deposits of andalusite (albeit many of them small) have been discovered in Finland, Norway, Sweden, England, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Morocco, Egypt, Arabia (United Arab Emirates), Burma (Myanmar), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Siam (Thailand), China, Mongolia, and India. However today, only a handful of countries produce gemstone quality andalusite, including Spain, Russia, Ceylon, Australia, Brazil, and Canada. Despite the number of localities where andaluste has been discovered, very few of the deposits have produced gemstone quality material. Transparent andalusite of gemstone quality is very rare.
Faceted andalusite gemstones give a play of red, green, and yellow colors that seems almost iridescent (the shimmering play of colors seen with peacock feathers, black opal, black abalone mother-of-pearl, or for instance the sheen of gasoline floating atop a puddle of water). The mixture of colors is the result of unusually strong pleochroism, which means that when viewed from one side the gemstone exhibits one color, while from another side the color appears differently. In fact andalusite is one of the few gemstones which is “tricotic”, meaning three different colors are observable from different angles of view. Because of this andalusite has sometimes been referred to as "poor man's alexandrite" because it offers color play similar to alexandrite, but generally costs considerably less. However whereas alexandrite actually changes color in response to different lighting sources, the multiple colors of andalusite are visible under all lighting conditions, not merely when the light source has been changed. Two other gemstones are part of the same “family” as andalusite, those being silimanite (generally cut as a cat’s-eye cabochon) and kyanite, which is a vibrant blue and also very rare in transparent, gemstone-quality material.
However andalusite has been gaining popularity on its own merits, not merely as an alexandrite substitute. The attraction of andalusite comes from its play of colors if one changes the viewing angle. A similar effect is gained when the light comes from different directions. Andalusite shows shades of yellow, brown, green and reddish brown depending on the orientation of the crystal. Those gemstones cut along the long axis such as an oval, marquis or emerald cut tend to show one color near the center and a second, usually darker color near the ends. Square and round cuts usually blend the colors into a mosaic. Though no record of the use of transparent andalusite gemstones exists from antiquity (at least recognizable references clearly and specifically identifying andalusite as andalusite), one particular variety of andalusite was in fact known in the ancient world as “lapis crucifer”, or “chiastolite”. These gemstones, translucent to near-transparent, contain inclusions of graphite which almost always are in the form of a cross when the gemstone is cut into cross-sections (like a log or sushi roll cut into slices). In Medieval and Renaissance Europe these gemstones were worn by Catholics as an amulet to protect against the “evil eye”. This was in reference to the ancient belief that some evil sorcerers or witches had the ability to transmit evil with just a glance. Certain items of personal adornment (amulets, talismans, etc.) were thought to protect the wearer from the "evil eye" by the proviso of an always watchful open eye.
Though particularly popular as a religious amulet, the “lapis crucifer” gemstone was also popular with the general population of Medieval and Renaissance Europe as well. In Brittany (France) these crystals were worn as a talisman. Local folklore held that the gemstones had dropped from the heavens. It was believed that if the gemstone was worn so as to touch the skin, it would staunch the flow of blood. It was also thought to increase the secretion of milk. If a “lapis crucifer” talisman was worn suspended from the neck, it was thought to cure almost any kind of fever, and the divine symbol it bore served to drive away evil spirits from the vicinity of the wearer.
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. Under what name andalusite crystals (other than “lapis crucifer”) may have been known in the ancient world is indeterminable. Andalusite was likely misidentified as tourmaline or yellow topaz, perhaps even citrine/smoky quartz. Though one type of andalusite, “lapis crucifer”, was well-known in Medieval Europe, history is silent as to how transparent andalusite crystals may have been used for healing or for mystic or shamanic purposes. However it is possible that the beliefs which modern practitioners hold pertaining to andalusite crystals may reflect ancient beliefs. It is common for such beliefs to be carried forward in folklore.
Present-day practitioners believe that andalusite is beneficial in the treatment of eye problems, water retention and calcium and/or iodine deficiencies. It is also said to be useful for those suffering from AIDS. On the metaphysical plane, andalusite is often referred to as “the seeing stone” as it works to “see” the various sides of a person's character, or the various sides of a problem. Thus it is believed to enable the wearer to calmly and objectively analyze their personality and character, or view two sides of a situation or problem. Andalusite is also said to bring balance to one’s life and to enhance memory, mental clarity and intellect, and to stimulate problem solving abilities. Mystics and shamans believe that andalusite can also be used when trying to communicate with the spirit world, and as a talisman is useful to protect the wearer, and to encourage moderation and balance in life.
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.