This enormous chrysoprase cabochon measures a full one inch in diameter, making it an unusually impressive example. Its beautifully even apple-green color goes well with the restrained 18k gold bezel. Edwardian jewelry often let exceptional stones speak for themselves, and this is a good example. By 1900, Australian chrysoprase had became the finest source in the world. Deposits discovered in Queensland during the late nineteenth century supplied English jewelers with vivid green stones like this one. While I can't say with certainty that this stone is Australian, it definitely dates from the period when Australian chrysoprase dominated the market.
MATERIALS: 18k gold (marked), 1" low dome round cabochon chrysoprase
AGE: Birmingham assay marks for 1909
CONDITION: Very good - a couple feint dents on the backside; British hallmarks
SIZE: 1 3/4" length including the bale, 1 3/8" diameter