The Strass Gemstones Find ....

* Gemstone will come with GIA Certificate & Laser Inscribed from a Limited stock find of 3500 Varied Named & Numbered Strass Gemstones in the Collection.

Very Rare * Collectable ~ From a New York City Jewelers Estate Stock Authentic Leaded Diamonds also referred to as ...


Strass Gemstones ...!!!!!



One (1) Beautiful Strass Gemstone Leaded Diamond (Simulated Diamond) from a stock that dates from the late 1700's to early 1920's.

These are New Old Stock from a Jewelers Estate. Real ...!!!     - A Picture of the Exact Stone you will receive can be provided upon request for Your approval.

Before the use of Cubic Zirconia (1970's) and Moissanite (1990's) to simulate Diamonds, fine leaded glass was used to simulate Diamonds in fine Jewelry. Manufactured in France & imported by H.S Imports (operated from late 1800's to early 1930's) in NYC. With a (IF) Internally Flawless Clarity & (D) Color grade, this Diamond sparkles with a pure and Colorless brilliance. 

Many of the Gemstones are hand cut under a 30x Loupe (see pictures) but other packages may be Machined at the time (eg. Electricity introduced 1891).




From a New York City Jewelers Estate stock that dates from the late 1700's to Mid 1920's. Pictures of the lot in this listing pictures can further explain the provenance (Jewelers address, French markings & H.S. Import Stamp etc..).  It has been crafted in France, adding a touch of European sophistication to its heritage.

         

* Origins: The Inventor of Simulated Brilliance:

~ Georg Friedrich Strass (1701–1773), an Alsatian jeweler, is credited with inventing the rhinestone, known in Europe as “Strass”.

~ In the 1730s, Strass developed a technique to mimic diamonds using lead-based glass—enhancing brilliance with metal foil backing, later replaced by vapor-deposited mirror coatings.

~ His creations were so convincing that he coined the term “Simulated Gemstone”, and was appointed King’s Jeweler by Louis XV of France.


                     

Alchemical Craft

~ Strass used bismuth and thallium to boost refractive qualities and metal salts to alter colors—essentially crafting a palette of faux gems that rivaled nature.

~ The glass formula became a borosilicate blend with potassium, lead, alumina, and arsenic—yielding stones that could mimic diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.


🏛️ Cultural Impact

~ Strass gemstones became popular among European aristocracy, not just as substitutes but as status symbols in their own right.

~ They were safer to travel with, accessible to the rising middle class, and often used in paste jewelry—a genre that dates back to Ancient Rome and Greece, but flourished in the 18th century thanks to Strass’s innovations.





~ Each piece is a true vintage gem, suitable for those who appreciate the glamour and history of yesteryear's craftsmanship. Elevate your Jewelry Collection with the timeless elegance of a Strass Gemstone.





 

Thank You... !!!