ABOUT:
I'm always looking for old cut diamonds in yellow gold settings and this one is an all original antique. Crafted in 14k gold, the setting in this case is what also sold me on the piece. It has a wide and substantial band with domed shoulders leading up to the .6 carat prong set old European cut diamond, the sleek and elegant setting making it the perfect stacker.
So rather than having the diamond perched on top of the band, the shoulders extend up to the top of the stone, where the prong setting is almost nested within them if that makes sense.
The prongs appear to have been reinforced at some point in this one's life, making this beauty appropriate and ready for daily wear.
Found in France, it has their hallmark for 14k gold, likely made elsewhere in Europe. Under magnification there is the faintest trace of a personalization / engraving that was there at some point in its antiquity, unfortunately it is no longer visible now.
Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:
Size 8 1/2 on my mandrel, should be sizable to a decent extent with the prongs in such great shape, best to discuss with the person doing the work to determine their comfort level as to how far. It stands 5.6mm tall off the finger. The ring shoulders are 3.5mm at their widest. It weighs 3.2 grams.
I do not remove my stones from their antique settings for exact measurements but the diamond measures about 5.7mm and an estimated weight of almost 0.6 carat.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
All antique hand cut diamonds of course have a more limited supply since they are no longer made in this way. There are only so many in existence compared to the millions of carats of modern machine cut diamonds made every year. These have withstood the test of time. This one is typical in that it does have some natural inclusions - two faint cloud inclusions, one more spare which extends from along one of the long prongs, the other a bit more frosty but tucked right at the edge of the girdle. These are not at all glaring, slightly to very slightly eye visible. No damage to the stone and no dark carbon spots. The stone displays a slight warmth under lit magnification but was cut to face up whiter. The prong setting also helps to allow the stone to catch the light from the north and south angles.
As mentioned these things are typical - It is a shame when antique hand cut diamonds are considered to have "imperfections" when comparing them to mass produced modern machine cut diamonds with mathematically perfected facets. The quirks or eccentricities of antique diamonds are actually expected and accepted as a part of their one of a kind charm! Feel free to request more videos and check out my website for more images as I also have it in some group shots which will help you see the stone comparatively to other antique diamonds.
My items do very well without paperwork so I have not sent the stone for certification but always provide as much detail as possible with measurements, condition notes and many extra photos (see website) to capture it true to life in various lighting conditions, which can be translated to grading scales if desired.
Ready for daily wear which is hard to find in antiques. The inside edge of the shank is a tiny bit blunt when you rub your finger across it but it is a very sturdy setting. Some patina which could easily be cleaned up but most of my buyers prefer original patina. Some rub marks on the vertical edges at the base of the prongs from being stacked as a wedding ring for years and years. Some solder bubbles, many inside the shank, a few on the outside under magnification but to me the piece does not appear to have been sized. It's beautiful.
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 noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
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 : )
All items hand picked by me, one at a time from all over the world. All listings individually written by me, and not AI, after studying each piece to discuss its beauties and its ; ) eccentricities (which I am picky to point out).
Box#s.352
