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FenrisWolf
13th February 2007, 09:43 AM
Another piece I've owned for some time; paid way too much for it, but I fell in love with the stylized owl hilt. I have the scabbard, simple leather over wood that I didn't bother photographing....

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL151/1556826/14935634/230179264.jpg

Any idea whether the stones would be rubies or garnets? I'm thinking of replacing a couple missing ones, if I can find a match. At that size there's not much difference in price, I just don't know which was more likely to be used....
Bill M
13th February 2007, 02:07 PM
Any idea whether the stones would be rubies or garnets? I'm thinking of replacing a couple missing ones, if I can find a match. At that size there's not much difference in price, I just don't know which was more likely to be used....

Hi Brian,

Looks like rubies or garnets would work fine. The stones you have are a bit lighter and more translucent than garnets I have seen, so I would look to rubies. You should be able to find some small cabachons on eBay. There is also a special jewelry glue that you might try to make sure they don't get lost as well.

Both of these stones are quite hard, I think that garnets are harder, so you need to find a close size, as, without the proper equipment, they will be difficult to resize.

Good luck with the finished product. Post some pics when you complete it!
:)
Battara
16th February 2007, 08:09 PM
Actually, rubies and sapphires are the hardest stones, second only to diamond (rubies and sapphires are both made of corundum). Garnet would be softer in comparison. I would suggest that you take this to a jeweler first and see what the stones are. They might even be made of paste glass, common for this region.
ward
16th February 2007, 09:24 PM
I think from pics glass replacements sound right. nice piece and that would be totally correct for the period
RSWORD
16th February 2007, 11:30 PM
Sounds like quite a corundum.
FenrisWolf
17th February 2007, 02:16 AM
Sounds like quite a corundum.
Some people will say anything to garnet a little attention.... :D
Bill M
17th February 2007, 10:57 AM
Some people will say anything to garnet a little attention.... :D

Ohh NOooooo
Battara
20th February 2007, 01:05 AM
Some people will say anything to garnet a little attention.... :D
Thank you - I love good punishment. :D