Dark Gemstone Appraisal

Emerald-Cut Dark Gemstone in Greek Jeweler's Box

The item consists of a rectangular, faceted gemstone presented within a pale pink plastic jewelry box. The gemstone, approximate dimensions 1.25 cm x 2 cm, exhibits a dark, translucent color that appears to be a very deep brown or possibly a dark smoky purple, consistent with materials such as smoky quartz or a dark color-treated topaz. It is cut in an emerald (or step) cut, characterized by its rectangular shape with beveled corners and parallel facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect. The faceting appears to be precise, indicating a degree of care in its cutting, and there are no immediately visible chips or large scratches on its surface, suggesting good preservation. Its clarity is not fully discernible without closer inspection, but it appears to be relatively clean with no obvious inclusions. The gemstone is nestled in fluffy, white cotton batting within the left compartment of the opened box. The box itself is a clam-shell design, molded from a light pink plastic. The lid, which is the right compartment, features a raised, embossed Greek key pattern along its borders, adding a classical decorative element. Gold-colored text and a stylized emblem (possibly a floral motif or a simplified 'phoenix' given the context of a jeweler, though it's hard to tell definitively) are centrally printed on the inside of the lid. The text is in Greek and appears to be the name and address of a jeweler or goldsmith: "ΧΡΥΣΟΧΟΕΙΟΝ ΩΡΟΛΟΓΟΠΟΙΕΙΟΝ ΕΥΑΓ. ΚΕΡΑΣΙΔΗ ΤΗΛ. 527577 ΛΥΚΟΥΡΓΟΥ 10 - ΑΘΗΝΑ." This translates to 'Goldsmith-Watchmaker EVAG. KERASIDIS Tel. 527577 LYKOURGOU 10 - ATHENS'. The presence of a jeweler's mark and address suggests the gemstone was likely sold or offered by this specific establishment, perhaps as a loose stone for custom jewelry or as a replacement stone. The style of the box, with its plastic construction and embossed Greek key design, along with the contact information, suggests a mid-20th century to late 20th century origin, possibly 1960s-1980s. The overall condition of both the gemstone and the box appears to be good, with minor signs of handling consistent with age but no significant damage.