Regal : Antique Cushion Cut Amethyst Earrings in Gold

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Large natural amethyst gems, held in golden crimped collet settings and suspended from delicate loops and earwires, these lovely drops are reminiscent of royalty in times gone by. The amethysts are untreated and vary in hue from Tyrian purple to Rose De France depending on the light available.

Amethysts were once reserved for royalty because of their rarity. They were once counted amongst diamonds, rubies and emeralds as the rarest and most desirable of gems. Because of this and also because of the historical relationship in the Western world with Purple as the colour of Royalty (and the clergy) gemstones like these were worn only by the wealthy elite.

Manufacture:
The gemstones and collets were most likely part of a Georgian or Victorian necklace, repurposed long ago as these lovely ear bobs.

Unmarked, they XRF test as 9ct gold with that slightly rosy old gold hue.

There is a slight variation in colour between the two amethysts, this would not be noticable when worn and should be seen as an indication of their age and rarity at the time the gems were set. If you look very closely you can see ‘zebra stripe’ or ‘fingerprint’ inclusions within the gemstones, further demonstrating their age and untreated natural colour. The amethysts are quite likely Siberian in origin.

The earrings have a drop of 30.9mm.
The amethysts measure 14.4mm x 11.4mm x 6.06mm (approximately 4.8 carats each)
Weighs 4.4 grams (pair)

Condition:
In truly lovely antique condition, the amethysts show no chips or abrasions. The collets are likewise in lovely condition. The earrings have been professionally polished and are ready for immediate and everyday wear. Unlike most antique jewellery you can wear these earrings without a care – they won’t mind getting wet.

Description

Large natural amethyst gems, held in crimped collet settings and suspended from delicate loops and earwires, these lovely drops are reminiscent of royalty in times gone by. The amethysts are untreated and vary in hue from Tyrian purple to Rose De France depending on the light available.

Unmarked, they XRF test as 9ct gold with that slightly rosy old gold hue.

The earrings have a drop of 30.9mm.
The amethysts measure 14.4mm x 11.4mm x 6.06mm (approximately 4.8 carats each)
Weighs 4.4 grams (pair)