Contact us by E-Mail if you are interested in gemstones or settings. We usually have other gemstones that are not yet displayed.
This is a large class of gemstones all of which are actually microcrystalline varieties of quartz. Included in these gemstones are many varieties of agates, bloodstone, chrysoprase, jasper, onyx, tiger's eye and others. Before faceting of gemstones was known, many of these gemstones were among the most valuable of gems because of the attractive patterns and colors possible.
Because many of these gemstones are porous, they have been dyed for thousands of years. Examples are found
back at least to ancient Egypt. This process is considered acceptable in the industry as long as it is not used
to make one less expensive form of chalcedony imitate a more expensive form. None of the gemstones included here
are dyed.
Heat treatment also is well known for some of these gemstones. Red tiger's eye is usually made from golden tiger's
eye by heat treatment.
We have just located a small supply of scarce "Crazy Lace" Agate. The mine in Mexico where these were found closed about 20 years ago according to the book, The Agates of Northern Mexico. Over the next weeks we will be offering a selection of cabochons made from the stone. We do have several of these that are not yet posted. If you have interests in specific sizes or shapes, please let me know.
The gemstone is an
exceptional cab in appearance, cut, and polish. It has an intricate pattern of browns, reddish browns, orange,
some blue, cream, white, pink, etc. Most areas are opaque, but some are translucent. This is possibly the most
attractive agate that I have ever seen. It was not mass-produced but hand crafted in our shop. The polish on this
piece is exceptional.
Code AGA105
Price: $24.00. SOLD!
This great agate has an intricate pattern of
browns, reddish browns, orange, some deep purple, cream, white, etc. As you can see, this stone looks like an abstract
painting. The overall effect is somewhat intense.
This was not mass-produced but made in our shop. The polish on this piece is exceptional.
SOLD!
This agate has a base
color of reddish brown. Over this there is a pattern of red and deeper reddish browns swirls. An intricate and
attractive pattern. This was not mass-produced but made in our shop. The polish on this piece is excellent.
SOLD!
Leopard skin jasper
are often very attractive multi-colored gemstones. This example has a great random pattern with many shades of
green, black, brown, and pink.
Code JAS102
Price: $12.00. SOLD!
We have just come up with a source that produces what is both a gemstone and a piece of artwork. The first
five examples are shown below along with a description. Because of the fact that these are hand carved by native
craftsmen, each of these is unique in some manner. There are two main types of these. One type shows a complete
face and torso of either Egyptian or African features. The other type is of the type of stylized faces (usually
Asian) like some of the moonstones are carved into.
We hope to have more in the near future. These are beautiful and interesting. Each of these is very high relief.
Because of the tiger's eye gemstone base, a series of color flashes goes across the gemstone as it is tilted in
the light. It was not possible to show this in the photos. The photo on the right shows what the back of one of
these looks like to get some idea of what the gemstone color base is without the artwork. As it was mentioned above,
red tiger's eye is made from golden tiger's eye by heat treatment.
Back of Red Tiger's Eye Carving
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TIG101 |
TIG102 |
TIG103 |
TIG104 |
TIG105 |
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36.4 X 22.5 X 7.2 mm |
21.0 X 14.3 X 6.2 mm |
21.2 X 10.3 X 8.2 mm |
15.9 Diameter X 8.0 mm |
16.4 X 12.3 X 6.5 mm |
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43.03 Carats |
12.06 Carats |
11.39 Carats |
13.60 |
9.96 Carats |
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$49.00 On hold |
$19.00 Sold |
$18.00 On hold |
$21.00 |
$18.00 |
| This is an extra large and well made example of the series. There is a strong vertical red and golden brown play of colors as the gem is tilted. | This is a large carving that has a golden brown play of colors when tilted. It is very high relief. | This carving is the head and neck of a women with striking African features. The relief is so high that it is almost 2/3 of a full head. The back is a flat oval to aid mounting. | This is a round carving similar to those used for moonstones. This gem has a striking and eerie bright magenta-brown color play as the stone is tilted. Very well done and attractive. | This is an oval high relief carving. It has a magenta-brown color play when the gem is tilted. It is a style that has recently also become available in moonstones. |
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