Antique 19thC 4¾ct Green Tourmaline Pendant Mystic Medieval Shamans Alchemy Rome

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Antique 19thC 4¾ct Green Tourmaline Pendant Mystic Medieval Shamans Alchemy Rome:
$479.99

Exquisite Antique Genuine Natural Russian Four and Two-Third Carat Regal, Bright Forest Green “Chrome” Tourmaline Faceted Oval.Mounted into high quality solid sterling silver pendant (not cheap silver plated).

CLASSIFICATION: Chrome Tourmaline Faceted Oval.

ORIGIN: Ural Mountains of Russia, 19th Century.

SIZE: Length: 10mm. Width: 9mm. Depth: 7mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 4.69 carats.

NOTES:Default chain is silver electroplate 16, 18, 20 or 24 inch (provided free). Sterling silver chains are also available in lengths from 16 to 24 inches. 14kt solid gold settings and 14kt gold fill (5% gold over 95% silver) are also available. Write us for pictures and prices.

DETAIL: Medieval Shamans believed that tourmaline was a “receptive stone” which promoted meditation, spirituality, wisdom and mystical powers. Ancient mystical ceremonies in India included the use of the gem as a tool to bring insight and help in the discovery of that which is good, and to make known who or what was the cause of troubles or evil deeds. Medieval alchemists believed tourmaline to be related to the philosopher’s stone, and as such could grant enlightenment, give power over spiritual affairs, reconcile opposites and change base metals to gold. In ancient mythology, tourmaline was found in all colors because it traveled along a rainbow and gathered all the rainbow's colors. Tourmaline occurred in many of the ancient mines that yielded precious gemstones in the ancient world 2,000 years ago, however it was mistaken for (and thus called) emerald or topaz.

Here's an exquisitely colored antique faceted chrome tourmaline oval from the Ural Mountains of Russia. Though the country best known for green tourmaline is Tanzania (and to a lesser extent, Brazil), the Ural Mountains of Russia have been producing green chrome tourmaline for centuries. In fact, many of the Russian crown jewels are tourmaline. In the Victorian Age tourmaline was enormously popular not only in Russia, but throughout 18th and 19th century Europe. This particular gemstone was hand cut and faceted by a 19th century Russian artisan for use in Russian jewelry. Land of the fabled jewelry of the Czars, Russia was renown for its production of elaborate (and costly) jewelry throughout Victorian Europe. Chrome tourmaline is rather uncommon, probably the rarest of the ordinary varieties of tourmaline. There is substantially more demand than supply, so thus oftentimes can be quite costly. It is called “Chrome” Tourmaline because it is traces of chromium which gives the gemstone its striking green color.

The setting is of high quality manufacture, and was produced by one of the USA’s leading semi-custom mount producers. It is constructed of solid sterling silver, and can be reset into 14kt gold if requested. As well, there are other setting styles available which in sterling silver, could be substituted at no additional cost (of course, solid gold settings cost more). The default chain is silver electroplated 24 inch. However we do have solid sterling silver (as well as 14kt gold and gold fill) chains available in lengths between 16 and 24 inches available upon request.

This is an absolutely gorgeous, natural, richly toned, almost velvety, bright forest green chrome tourmaline. It is uncommon to find such an exceptionally clean specimen such as this one! Though favored by European Renaissance and Victorian Royalty, tourmaline tends to be characterized by the presence of small colorless inclusions. Yet this specimen is completely eye clean. Under magnification the gemstone shows the unmistakable characteristics of having been hand crafted. The coarseness of the handcrafted finish is considered appealing to most gemstone collectors, and is not considered a detriment, or to 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 that approach flawlessness in a perfect finish, the cut and finish of a handcrafted gemstone such as this is the cultural legacy passed onwards by artisans who lived centuries ago.

This gemstone possesses superb luster and sparkle, and to the eye is completely transparent, but it is not absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes it possesses are not visible to the naked eye, and the gemstone can be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". To the eye it is indeed flawless; however as you can see in the accompanying photo enlargements you might be able to pick out one or two slight blemishes within the gemstone, barely perceptible even at such high magnification, and as well occasional irregularities in the faceting and finish. But these characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, you must also consider that two centuries ago the mining techniques even theoretically possible, let alone commonly practiced, did not allow the ultra deep mining operations which are so commonplace today.

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. So 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 minute blemishes which by and large, are (if at all) only visible under high magnification.

TOURMALINE HISTORY: Tourmaline's name comes from the Dutch traders who purchased gemstones from the Celanese (i.e., Ceylon or Sri Lanka). The word "turmali," meant "mixed", and the bright rainbow collections of gemstone varieties which the Dutch purchased were called "turmali" parcels. Tourmaline has been used as gem material for more than 2,000 years. Since tourmaline occurred in many of the ancient mines that yielded other precious stones, tourmaline was most likely known by the ancient Romans, but called other names such as emerald or topaz. In fact, through the sixteenth or seventeenth century, red and pink tourmaline were thought to be ruby. However one accurate reference to tourmaline in ancient history was by Theophrastus of Ancient Greece (student and successor of Plato and Aristotle) who in 314 B.C. accurately described tourmaline as becoming electromagnetically charged when it heated, noting that it would collect dust particles, straw and pieces of wood. In fact tourmaline can also become electromagnetically charged simply by rubbing it against one’s clothing, and the charge can remain for hours. There is also historical evidence which suggests that tourmaline was exported from Ceylon to ancient Israel as early as the time of King Solomon, and may have adorned the crown of the Queen of Sheba.

In the medieval world, alchemists believed tourmaline to be related to the philosopher’s stone, and as such could grant enlightenment, give power over spiritual affairs, reconcile opposites and change base metals to gold. Tourmaline was also used by medieval shamans who regarded it a “receptive stone,” which means it was soothing, calming, inward, and magnetic, and thus promoted meditation, spirituality, wisdom and mystical powers. During the Middle Ages tourmaline was also thought to heal physical and mental disorders as well as prevent death. Ancient mystical ceremonies in India included the use of the gem as a tool to bring insight and help in the discovery of that which is good, and to make known who or what was the cause of troubles or evil deeds. As well, various aboriginal tribes such as the American Indians, Australian Aborigines, and various African tribes, believed tourmaline to be a talisman which could protect against all dangers.

Tourmaline occurs in more colors and combinations of colors than any other gemstone variety. In fact an ancient legend says that tourmaline is found in all colors because it traveled along a rainbow and gathered all the rainbow's colors. Green or "chrome" tourmaline was "rediscovered" in the seventeenth century. This striking green gemstone is colored by the mineral chromium; hence the name "chrome" tourmaline. German miners in Brazil exported green tourmalines to bedazzled seventeenth century Europe, calling them "Brazilian emeralds". Within a few decades tourmaline was also rediscovered in the country of Tanzania on the African continent. In the eighteenth century, it was eventually realized that the "Brazilian emeralds" had unusual electromagnetic qualities, and were not emeralds at all.

Pink tourmaline was held in such high regard in Ancient China that Empress Tz'u Hsi, the last Empress of China, who loved pink tourmaline, bought almost a ton of it from the Himalaya Mine in California, and was eventually laid to rest (eternally) on a carved tourmaline pillow. In fact the Chinese have engraved and carved figures and snuff bottles from tourmaline for many centuries, and ancient examples are displayed in museums around the world. Many stones in the Russian Crown jewels from the 17th Century once thought to be rubies and emeralds are actually tourmalines. Chrome tourmalines are relatively uncommon gemstones, costly, and in scarce supply. They were considered the rarest variety of tourmaline until in 1989 very small quantities of even rarer Paraiba neon blue-green was discovered in Brazil, which sells for as much as $20,000 per carat. The most popular color is peach (or pink) tourmaline, and one of the most famous mines in the world, played out and closed in 1913, was in California.

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. The ancient world regarded tourmaline helpful to artists, authors, actors and those in creative fields, enhancing their creative powers. Tourmaline was believed to possess many medicinal properties, including its ability to to cleanse, maintain, and stimulate the energy centers of the body. It was also reported in an 18th century Dutch medical journal that tourmaline wrapped in silk and placed against the cheek of a feverish child would induce sleep. Tourmaline is still regarded as an aid for keeping the digestive system healthy as well as strengthening teeth and bones. It is also recommended for adrenal disorders, heart disease, arthritis, and used to treat stress and trauma.

In regards to its metaphysical properties, tourmaline was believed to attract inspiration, to diminish fear, and encourage self confidence, enthusiasm, constructive thinking, and to assist the wearer avoid bad luck and negativity. It was regarded as conducive to promoting peaceful communication between the conscious and unconscious minds, allowing psychic awareness to blossom. Tourmaline was regarded as a stone of reconciliation, a stone that fostered compassion and cool headedness, radiated the energy that attracted money, healing and friendship, and was used for “grounding” purposes, to stabilize, and reaffirm one’s “roots”. Pink tourmaline in particular was believed to be of great value to people that had difficulty dealing with fear, who had panic attacks or who were in need of something to help them heal their inner chaos and dread. It was regarded as a heart protector as well as an aphrodisiac, and was believed to provide reassurance that it was safe to love and therefore instilled confidence.

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 non-refundable payment processing fees. Please note that does NOT refund payment processing fees. Even if you “accidentally” purchase something and then cancel the purchase before it is shipped, will not refund their processing fees. So all refunds for any reason, without exception, do not include payment processing fees (typically between 5% and 15%) and shipping/insurance costs (if any). If you’re unhappy with ’s “no fee refund” policy, and we are EXTREMELY unhappy, please voice your displeasure by contacting . We have no ability to influence, modify or waive 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 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 message, so please feel free to write.