Hematite black diamond bead pierced earrings set

Vintage genuine hematite silver plated pendant/necklace with S design chain and pierced earrings set. Bead approximately 7mm.Chain : 16". Brand new, never been worn condition. From gift shop we used to operate in S.F. Chinatown from the 50s to 80s. THE LEGEND OF HEMATITE Hematite was first seen in Alaska around 1800 when a shipment of blue trading beads which arrived from Russia contained a few sparkling black hematites. The beads were open in a dimly lit room, causing the candlelight to reflect agianst the highly polished surface of the hematites. Someone commented that they shined like " black diamond" and that is how this phrase became associated with hematite. Some of the beads were taken to Lord Baranoff, who had skilled indian silversmiths make them into rings and pendants. Lord Baranoff was so pleased that he ordered the jewelry be sent to the royal family of Czar Alexander I as gifts of freindship and loyalty from their Alaskan subjects.Since that time hematite has been associated with Alaska, and still given as a token of freindship and loyalty. Hematite is found in Alaska and throughout the iron ore areas of the world. (This legend is condensed from the story told by professor Frederick Froboese, former curator of Shelton-Jackson Museum, Sitka, Alaska.) Guaranteed to be genuine Hematite (Alaska Black Diamond)