Antique 19th Century Genuine One and One-Half Carat Pear Jade Cabochon Semi-Precious Gemstone. Mounted onto handcrafted, high quality solid sterling silver setting (not cheap silver plated).
ORIGIN: 19th Century.
SIZE: Length: 9mm. Width: 7mm. Depth (Thickness): 2mm. Measurements approximate.
WEIGHT: 1.45 carats.
DETAIL: The Aztecs, Mayas, Olmecs, Toltecs, and other Pre-Columbian peoples of Mexico and Central America carved jadeite for use as ornaments, amulets, and badges of rank. Nearly all of these Meso-American jades are of various shades of green, with emerald green the most highly prized color among the Aztecs. The jade carvings range from plaques, figurines, small masks, pendants, to of course, tools and weapons. The widespread use of jade died out in Meso-America after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Elsewhere in the ancient world jade was widely used by primitive peoples as tools and weapons in the Neolithic, especially in Europe, Mexico, Asia, New Zealand, and North Africa (including ancient Egypt). The best-known finds are from the lake dwellings of Switzerland, western France, and China.
Celebrating this cultural legacy here’s a nice quality 19th century antique hand crafted/shaped/polished semi-precious jade gemstone. Hand crafted from genuine jade from some of the world's finest jadeite deposits; this is a beautiful semi-precious gemstone possessing a very rich and handsome appearance. The gemstone was hand crafted by a 19th century artisan, part of an heritage renown for the production of the elaborate gemstones and jewelry of the Czars of Medieval, Renaissance, and Victorian Europe. This gorgeous, vibrant rich green jadeite is highly prized, and can be quite costly. No two pieces of jade are identical, so you can be sure that this gemstone forms a completely unique piece of jewelry. The handcrafted setting though is of contemporary origin. It is constructed of solid sterling silver.
As might be expected 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. Naturally 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-tumbled 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. Such antique hand-crafted gemstones possess much greater character and appeal than today's mass-produced machine-cut gemstones.
Handcrafted though it may be the gemstone possesses great luster and character, but that is not to imply that it is absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes it possesses are virtually invisible to the naked eye, and to the view of the casual admirer the gemstone is indeed seemingly without blemish. However in the accompanying photo enlargements you might be able to discern a few minute blemishes as well as occasional irregularities in the cut and finish. Naturally much the same may said about almost any antique, handcrafted gemstone of natural origin. Most absolutely flawless gemstones will upon close examination be revealed to be synthetic. Furthermore 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 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 gemstone must be appreciated as antiques first, gemstones second. The relatively superlative quality of contemporary gemstones mined from deep beneath the earth's surface were simply not accessible two centuries ago, or at least, only rarely so. But 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 and finishing irregularities common to handcrafted gemstones, all of which are by and large are only visible under magnification.
JADE HISTORY: The highest quality and rarest form of jade is known as “jadeite”, and is found almost exclusively in Burma, Tibet and southern China (and in small amounts in Japan and Guatemala). Jadeite ranges in color from dark green to nearly white, but can also be found in shades of pink, purple, blue, yellow, orange, red, gray, brown and black. The highest grade of jadeite is known as “imperial jade”, because in ancient China, all imperial jade was owned by the emperor. What differentiates imperial jade from ordinary jadeite is its light to medium “emerald” green color, the homogeneity of its color, and its translucent to transparent character.
Nephrite, the more common and less valuable form of jade is found in many parts of the world from California to Siberia. Nephrite is creamier in color and less translucent than Jadeite and possesses an oily luster. Jade was used in ancient times for weapons, utensils, and ornaments, and has always been especially valued by the Chinese and Japanese as the most precious of all stones. Many beautiful hand carved jadeite vases, bowls, tablets, and statues produced in ancient China now reside in museums world-wide.
The less valuable form of jade, “nephrite” was widely used by primitive peoples as tools and weapons in the Neolithic, especially in Europe, Mexico, Asia, New Zealand, and North Africa (including ancient Egypt). Both nephrite as well as the more valuable jadeite were worked into implements by Neolithic peoples in many parts of the world, however nephrite was most often used for tools and weapons. The best-known finds are from the lake dwellings of Switzerland, western France, and China. The source for Neolithic jade in Europe remains undiscovered, but it was probably from a deposit in the Alps. Nephrite is very hard and was prized for keeping a sharp edge. One such variety was used by the natives of the South Sea Islands for making hatchets.
Jade was mined in China since at least as far back as 6,000 B.C. Records of its use in China as jewelry goes back at least 5,000 years. Jade jewelry can be found in emperor’s tombs dating back to the fourth millennium B.C. Jade bangles date backward at least 4,000 years. Jade was extremely valuable in ancient China, there are records of an entire city being traded for a carved ornamental jade piece. The Chinese have valued this gem more than any other, using it for currency, ceremonial vessels, and marriage bowls.
Since at least 2950 B.C., jade has been treasured in China as the imperial gemstone, "yu". The word "yu" is used in Chinese to call something precious, as in English we use the term "golden". Indeed the cost of jade in ancient China exceeded that of gold. In addition to their own sources of jade, from the Kingdom of Khotan, on the southern leg of the Silk Road (present-day Turkestan), yearly tribute payments consisting of the most precious white jade (a creamy white form of nephrite known in China as "mutton fat" jade) were made to the Chinese Imperial court.
In the Neolithic the Chinese were carving jade into tools and simple cult objects (amulets). By about 1800 B.C., they began making small carved ornamental plaques with decorative designs of animals. The introduction of iron tools (about 500 B.C.) made more intricate carvings possible, and jade began to be made into a wide variety of utilitarian and luxury objects, such as belt hooks and ornaments, sword and scabbard accoutrements, hollow vessels, and, most importantly, sculpture in the round. The craft of jade carving in China attained maturity toward the close of the Chou dynasty in 255 B.C., with designs of unsurpassed excellence and beauty.
The ancient Chinese believed jade to preserve the body after death. One royal tomb contained an entire suit made out of jade, to assure the physical immortality of its owner. Emperors slept upon pillows of jade believing that it preserved vitality and youth. In Chinese mythology the Moon Hare made an elixir of immortality from crushed Jade. So of course jade was ground up and drunken as an “elixir of immortality”, believed to preserve vitality and youth. Even merely eating from Jade dishes was believed to ensure a long and fortunate life.
It was also believed that jade could predict the stages of the wearer’s life. If a jade ornament appeared more brilliant and transparent, good fortune lay ahead. If it became dull, then bad luck was inevitable. In Chinese athletic competitions, [animal tusk/bone] was given for third place and gold for second. Jade was reserved solely for the winners, including high officials in the imperial court.
For thousands of years, up through the middle of the second millennium, the Chinese only had access to nephrite jade. Occasionally a piece of two of fine Burmese jadeite tantalized ancient China, but for 500 years the actual source of jadeite proved elusive. According to legend sometime in the thirteenth century a Chinese trader traveling through northern Burma picked up a boulder to balance the load on his mule. Much later when it happened to break open, the brown-skinned rock revealed a vivid, “emerald” green jade.
The Chinese were captivated by this stone, and sent expeditions to find the source the 13th and 14th centuries, but they were unsuccessful. Although occasional small pieces of green jadeite would appear in China over the next 500 years, their origin remained a mystery until the late 18th century. Finally in the eighteenth century Chinese adventurers discovered the source of the green stone. From that time onwards considerable amounts of jadeite were transported to Beijing and the workshops of China’s foremost jade carvers.
Both Japanese and Chinese cultures traditionally associated jade with the five cardinal virtues; charity, modesty, courage, justice, and wisdom. Jade was also popular in other regions of ancient Asia. A temple in Andhra Pradesh, India is home to a 5-foot high sculpture of an especially revered sage that is carved entirely out of jade, the largest sculpture made from a single jade rock in the world. The ancient East Indians called jade the “divine stone” and used it to treat asthma, epilepsy and heartburn.
The Emerald Buddha, enshrined in a temple in Bangkok, Thailand’s Grand Palace, said to have been created in 43 B.C., is also actually made of emerald-green jadeite. Jade is found in ancient Korean burials dating back to about 1,000 B.C. The ancient Turks and Mongols considered jade to be the “stone of victory”, and used it to decorate swords and belts. In ancient Egypt, jade was admired as the stone of love, inner peace, harmony and balance.
The Aztecs, Mayas, Olmecs, Toltecs, and other Pre-Columbian peoples of Mexico and Central America carved jadeite for use as ornaments, amulets, badges of rank, plaques, figurines, small masks, pendants, and of course tools and weapons. Nearly all of these Meso-American jades are of various shades of green, with emerald green the most highly prized color among the Aztecs. Archaeologists believe that all ancient Meso-American jade came from deposits in Guatemala. Its cost and rarity dictated that its use was confined to the elite elements of society.
As was the case with the Chinese, the Aztecs placed a higher value on jade than on gold. Medieval Europe was unfamiliar with jade as a gemstone for jewelry use until the sixteenth century when jade objects were imported from China and, later, Central America. The Portuguese imported jade from their colony at Canton, China. The Portuguese called jade "piedre de ilharga", or stone of the loins, because they believed it to be strong medicine for kidney ailments and to relieve back pain. Jade jewelry was regarded as symbolic of perfection and purity, and was also a favorite of Medieval Alchemists.
With contact between Spain and Meso-America established, jade objects brought back to Spain from the New World were called by the Spanish version of this phrase, "piedra de hijada". This became to the French ejade, and then, finally, "jade". With respect to the name "nephrite" jade, the word nephrite comes from the Greek word for kidney, "nephros". The widespread use of jade died out in Meso-America after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Whether simply folklore or not, it’s still indicative of the high regard for gold in Meso-America: as Cortez cut his swath through the Aztec empire, pillaging gold, silver and emeralds, Montezuma is said to have remarked to his followers: “Thank god they don’t know about the jade.” Jade remains today, particularly in Asia, a highly valued gemstone used in the manufacture of jewelry.
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 ancient Asia cultures jade was believed to help one access the spiritual world, and was perceived as a sacred substance. Jade was known as the "dream stone".
The ancient Chinese believe that the secret virtue of jade was absorbed into the body. It was also believed to provide self-confidence, to enhance fertility, and to re-energize the love between married couples. Jade was said to contain the concentrated essence of love, to relieve thirst, bring rain, and to protect against lightning. Jade drove off evil beasts, helped warriors, strengthened the wearer, enhanced the immune system, and prolonged life.
Jade bangles were of particular significance to the ancient Chinese. It was widely believed in ancient China that a bangle would protect its wearer from disaster by absorbing negative influences. For example, if the wearer were caught in an accident, the bangle would break so that its owner would remain unharmed. Another common belief was that a spot of fine color in a bangle would spread across the entire stone, depending upon the good fortune of the owner. Bangles and rings were often made in pairs, in the belief that good things always come in twos.
In addition to its use in the production of jewelry and great works of art, Jade was also used as well for medicinal purposes. It was used to ease pain from the kidneys and groin area, and aided in childbirth. In addition to the association with long-life, jade is also regarded as a "lucky charm", and jade charms are a favorite accessory for gamblers to this day. Even Confucius expounded on the virtues of jade. "Like Intelligence, it is smooth and shining. Like Justice, its edges seem sharp but do not cut. Like Humility, it hangs down toward the ground as a pendant. Like Music, it gives a clear ringing sound. Like Truthfulness, it does not hide its faults, and this only adds to its beauty. Like the Earth, its firmness is born of the mountain and the water."
Modern practitioners recommend jade as a talisman for those who are trying to change or redirect their lives. As a “stone of change”, it is believed to empower the wearer to break through deadlocks. Jade is also believed to promote family unity, and still believed to prolong long as well. Wearing a jade talisman is believed to attract wealth and prosperity, and to increases the wearer’s sense of self worth and confidence. Meditating with jade is said to sharpen concentration, increase comprehension, and aid in absorbing and retaining intellectual knowledge. The wearing of a talisman by gardening enthusiasts is said to benefit their plants as well as the wearer.
Some believe that jade can helps to control the content of our dreams or their focus. Jade is also thought by some to be a very protective stone, particularly good for protecting children against illness or for protection on long journeys. In present-day Asia jade is believed effective in regulating high blood pressure, and in calming emotional outbursts. It is believed an effective treatment for infertility, heart disease, and various disorders of the eye. Contemporary crystal healers believe that jade protects the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart and thyroid gland. Mystics hold that jade is associated with the elemental power of Dragons, and can be used in magic to attract and communicate with them. They believe that jade can help bring visions of Dragons when scrying (with a crystal ball), and that sleeping with the stone can bring magical dreams and help subconscious, intuitive messages rise to the forefront of the user’s mind.
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>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.