Aquamarine (unique TRUE rough and cut set)

Item Description

Here we have a classic TRUE rough and cut set of Aquamarine from the Shigar Valley in Pakistan. The earliest examples of rough and cut sets were often created when one end of a gem crystal was removed and faceted into a stone, and the faceted gem and the remaining portion of the crystal were paired together. That is the case with this set as it features a gorgeous blue color, sharp, lustrous hexagonal prism of Aquamarine, but if you look closely, you will see the termination has been polished, this is where the rough was removed in order to cut the stone that completes the set. The crystal itself, despite the polished termination, is a fantastic specimen because when you view it down the "c" axis, you can see excellent internal "phantoms" showing defined repeating hexagonal shapes, which are created due to "cat's eye"-esque inclusions in the crystal itself. We've done our best to illustrate this in the video, but it's best seen in person. For reference the crystal weighs 46.6 grams. The stone is a wonderful, well-cut, "Square Radiant" gem with very very slight inclusions and a glowing blue color. A beautiful set from one of the premier areas in the world for gem quality Aquamarines. Valued $2,000-$2,500.
From the collection of Bill ("Burma Bill") Larson of Fallbrook, California. Bill is a well-known gem and mineral dealer (Pala International) as well as a miner and collector. Bill traveled the world for decades in search of fine gems and minerals, and was directly involved in the in-person acquisition and importation of superb specimens from many important gem-producing localities. You can read his biography at https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/larsonwilliam-f/