Carnelians Origins
Posted on June 17, 2008
Filed Under Uncategorized |
Stones found and cut in India and China are not often treated, and they are therefore generally paler in color than those which emanate from Germany. Indian cut stones are usually irregular in shape; beads are drilled from each end separately and the holes are seldom true. On the other hand, Chinese work is usually good, many of their carvings being extremely fine. They also show much skill in taking advantage of the different shades within the piece of material being worked.
Very fine carnelian in quantity is found in Brazil, as well as in Uruguay, and it is generally accompanied by agate and amethyst. India, Queensland, the U.S.A., and Japan are other areas where good material is found. Stones cut in Germany from South American material are predominant on the market.
Mention of agate deposits has already been made, and the same mines in India produce carnelian. The waterworn pebbles are found in the vicinity of Ratanpur, Damlai, and Dholikuva, in the Rajpipla State, where they have been worked for many centuries. The carnelian pebbles have been derived from the disintegration of former trap beds in which they formed geodes and veins. As with agate, most of the stones found are light in color, often with a milky tinge, and they are sometimes heated to accentuate the shade. This work, as well as the cutting into beads, cups, and vases, has been carried on in Limodra for more than 400 years. In the 17th century, some of the work was carried out at Cambay, where the art is still practised. The value of the stones exported from this area averages about f 20,000 (£7,000) yearly.
Although a very moderately priced stone, carnelian is very suitable for cheaper jewelry. It is pleasing in color, it tones well with many other shades, and it is sufficiently hard to withstand wear without showing much adverse effect. Its long use in jewelry has resulted in its being connected with many superstitions; for instance, the Arabs believe that it stops bleeding if applied to a wounded part.
Some fine carved carnelians exist. One, the seal of Michelangelo, is preserved in Paris. This is only about half an inch in length, but it is exquisitely engraved, supposedly by Pyrgoteles in the time of Alexander the Great
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