ABOUT:
Ornate and beautiful antique tiara like ring with center oval east west deep purple amethyst with three old mine cut diamonds above and below, totaling around half a carat for all six.
This one appears to have an interesting story as all the components are antique but unique. The ring face and prongs are in 18k yellow gold. The shank is in 18k white gold with an antique British 18CT hallmark. So the shank while still old / antique, being white gold, it came into prominence in the 1920s, and the ring face, possibly converted from another ring or another piece, is even older, dating to the late 1800s.
I do suspect it was always a ring though as there are no welds or any other evidence, and the shank is so tidily done. - I almost wondered if it is an all original piece with the shank having been rhodium plated to match the later trends of white gold - I have seen this before, rare but true. Always the decision of the original owners of these old pieces and wish we could always know the stories they could tell!
The amethyst has a gorgeous and rich color with a natural inclusion that can catch the light and almost give the gemstone a color blocked appearance the way it lightens up in that area - see pics. It is a beautiful setting with a nice size footprint on the finger - I love this one!
Antique box is not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size 6 3/4. The amethyst is about 9x7mm and I was told when I purchased it, about 1.55 carat. The old mine cuts measure 2.5 to 3mm each with the smallest ones at each end measuring 2mm. The diamonds total around half a carat. It is 20mm north to south on the finger by 10mm and stands 4.5mm tall off the finger. It weighs 3.5 grams.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
See notes above about the ring face differing in hue from the shank and the inclusion. This one is ready for regular wear as the prongs to the center stone have been reinforced. Some of them are worn but a few on each side were reinforced to completely secure the stone which we love to see vs. making it "like new" by over working it. One diamond has a few worn prongs but enough length on three others to hold the stone on all sides so again, it is actually ready for regular wear with the minimal and well done reinforcements. I think the amethyst has been lightly buffed. It has some abrasions and some areas of a matte finish but it seems it has been softened or smoothed so it doesn't look super nibbled. So she got a beauty touch up in a great way. The color is wonderful. Typical antique diamonds with some faint natural inclusions, nothing glaringly eye visible and no dark carbon spots. A few nibbles to a girdle edge here and there, again seen under magnification.
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any glaring issues above and they are all still wearable.
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )
SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )
Box#tc.#2#
