Carnelian? Value?

[briarrose351]

Are these carnelian? What should I call them? Do they have value? The beads weighs 70 grams. The rough one weighs 120 grams. Thanks for any help!

[emerald40]

Go on the sold pages and see if you can find something similar and how much it went for.

[briarrose351]

Yes I did that. I didn't see the rough stones at all.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi, they could both be polished agate, see links below. I have a very similar agate necklace that came from Scotland that matches your round bead necklace.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/925-Silver-Clasp-10mm-Round-Orange-Agate-Bead-Necklace-18-2-Extender/372304...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Orange-agate-gemstone-chip-bead-necklace-red-orange-agate-teardrop-pendant/...

[ted_200 · Accepted solution]

Yes, they are carnelian, which is the gem name for reddish/orange/reddish-brown agate (opaque) or chalcedony (translucent), both of which are cryptocrystaline quartz (silicon dioxide) minerals. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=carnelian&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi0ydL77Z3bAhUQXK0KHRx...

The "rough" ones are chip beads.  They have value, but not a lot - carnelian is a fairly common stone, as loose beads chips might sell for $3 - $4 a strand (single strand), the rounds might sell for $8 or $10, with most of the value being in the work required to make them into beads - bulk rough material is a buck or two a pound.   As finished jewelry, they'll have more value.

[phono_0490xxxxxx]

Just a warning. @ted_200

Beware the Global Shipping Program on these.

They may have the same background radiation levels of Uranium Glass, all of which is being confiscated by GSP agents and NOT returned to sellers.

The background radiation levels of Uranium Glass can be negligible, innocuous, barely registering.

The same can be said for stones like these. I'm not suggesting they are any danger.

It's uncertain as to whether it's just a 'catch all' ban on UGlass handled by GSP [there is no specific mention of it in prohibited items lists - just 'radioactive' designation] or if gieger counters are triggering flags on articles.

[muttlymob]

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@phono_0490xxxxxx wrote:

Just a warning. @ted_200

Beware the Global Shipping Program on these.

They may have the same background radiation levels of Uranium Glass, all of which is being confiscated by GSP agents and NOT returned to sellers.

The background radiation levels of Uranium Glass can be negligible, innocuous, barely registering.

The same can be said for stones like these. I'm not suggesting they are any danger.

It's uncertain as to whether it's just a 'catch all' ban on UGlass handled by GSP [there is no specific mention of it in prohibited items lists - just 'radioactive' designation] or if gieger counters are triggering flags on articles.

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Maybe it's because of this entry on the list of items prohibited in the GSP:

Jewelry, gold or any other precious metals (whether manufactured or non-manufactured) that are subject to carrier and/or customs restrictions

[briarrose351]

Thank you

[ted_200]

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@muttlymob wrote:

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@phono_0490xxxxxx wrote:

Just a warning. @ted_200

Beware the Global Shipping Program on these.

They may have the same background radiation levels of Uranium Glass, all of which is being confiscated by GSP agents and NOT returned to sellers.

The background radiation levels of Uranium Glass can be negligible, innocuous, barely registering.

The same can be said for stones like these. I'm not suggesting they are any danger.

It's uncertain as to whether it's just a 'catch all' ban on UGlass handled by GSP [there is no specific mention of it in prohibited items lists - just 'radioactive' designation] or if gieger counters are triggering flags on articles.

---

Maybe it's because of this entry on the list of items prohibited in the GSP:

Jewelry, gold or any other precious metals (whether manufactured or non-manufactured) that are subject to carrier and/or customs restrictions

---

Yeah, jewerly, gemstones, and precious metals are subject to all manner of customs restrictions that vary from country to country.  That bit of GSP information isn't particularly helpful or specific.  There are ways around these restrictions and ways to minimize issues, by making sure you use the right terms to describe items... "decorative object" is one of my favorites, but you don't want to try this with anything of great value, because you never know what will happen with customs officials in far away lands.  Gemstones are often restricted, "mineral samples" are not usually a problem.  I sell coins, "numismatic collectibles" are allowed in most countries, but if you put "money" or "coins" on the form, you're liable to have issues here in our own post office never mind problems on the other end. 

I have no idea how skilled the GSP folks are at properly describing stuff to get it through customs, or how well they know the various rules.  The radioactive thing though... that's something entirely different than jewelry restrictions, it's a new one to me.  Carnelian is usually heat treated, not irradiated, but does it have natural background levels?  Beats me.  But I'd avoid GSP on this anyhow, the value is probably less than what GSP would charge to ship it, you'll likely never sell it that way anyhow.