56 zolotniks rose gold (14K-583), two claw-set oval Uralian demantoids,
approximately 1 ct each / 2 ct total weight
Russian demantoids are considered to be the finest, rarest, and most
expensive. First discovered in the mid 19th century in the Ural
mountains, demantoids were frequently used in Victorian era jewelry and
were especially popular in Imperial Russia. Modern supply of the
Uralian
demantoids is very limited with just a few stones mined each year.
Russian demantoids of this size are rare, and genuine antique Russian
jewelry with such stones is virtually unobtainable.
The Uralian demantoids have specific inclusions
which
look like golden brown threads and are
known
as "horsetail". Presence of such inclusions, which confirms the origin
of
demantoids, increases the value of stones.
Both earrings have demantoids with horsetail inclusions.
Overall height 5/8 in. (15 mm), demantoids height 5/16 in. (7 mm)
sold
Fine antique Russian demantoid garnet with bold horse tail inclusion.
Marked
with 56 zolotniks standard (14K-583), initials of St Petersburg assayer
Yakov Liapunov (ЯЛ) and workmaster's initials 'Г.П."