Ocean View - Estate Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Pendant & Chain (EP065)

Ocean View - Estate Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Pendant & Chain. This gorgeous pendant is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925. The chain is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925 Italy. The pendant features one genuine checkerboard cut tear-drop shaped blue topaz, classic styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on the pendant is simple, which allows the beautiful sky blue topaz to take centre stage. The bale is substantial, and the chain is a solid twisted rope design. The chain features a secure lobster clasp, in perfect working order. This wonderful estate piece would make a perfect addition to any fine jewelry collection. 

History: The origins of this gem were discovered and mined in 1960 by British explorer Max Ostro in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The UK Natural History Museum impressively has the largest cut topaz to ever go on display at their museum. The gem is 15 centimeters long and 10.5 centimeters wide, a total of 9,381 carats!

Blue topaz is very abundant and can be found in many different countries such as Brazil, the United States, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, China, Russia, Mexico, and more. Blue topaz comes in a few different shades, such as sky blue, baby Swiss, Swiss blue, and London Blue.

The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The term sterling silver denotes any silver alloy in which pure silver makes up at least 92.5 percent of the content. One theory is that the word sterling comes from the name Easterlings—coiners from east German states brought to England during the reign of Henry II (1154–89) to improve the quality of the coinage.

Measurements: Pendant 29.50 mm x 12.00 mm        Chain:18" 

Stone Size: Blue Topaz  13.00 carats 

Weight: 11.80 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Italy 

Date: Circa 1990