ANTIQUE Eye Clean 1.5 Carat Tdw Champagne Old Mine Cut Diamond Colorless OMC Halo Cluster Ring Victorian Two Tone 1.5Ctw Light Yellow Brown

ABOUT:

Why can't I keep all the colored diamonds in the world!? : )
This one has been in my personal collection the last few years but I am paring that collection down in part to help cover my summer sourcing / inventory trips to Europe.

This antique ring is one I purchased in the UK. I love it for the contrast, with the delicious color of the chunky champagne old mine cut diamond at the center. It is then surrounded by a halo of twelve colorless / white old mine cuts for a unique cluster with two tone coloring. Adding to its appeal, the largest center diamond is eye clean and super chunky with the lofty crown cropping out of the ring face, I love to view it from the side.

These are scarce and sought after for a few reasons - the first is that all antique 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.

The second is the color - it is believed that only 1 carat in every 10,000 carats mined are fancy diamonds. So putting the old cut together with the color makes this old mine cut ring even more scarce.

The center stone is raised slightly in prongs above the halo of colorless stones. It is crafted in 18k gold (tested, the old hallmarks are rubbed away) with a lovely, just slightly rosy patina. We often see antique diamond clusters with the settings topped in a white precious metal as was customary for the period. This one is uncommon in that it is in all yellow gold (with antique patina giving it that slightest rosy glow). Fiery center stone in the coloring that I just adore finding in antique stones.

Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and the pictures can make it difficult to see scale. Antique box is not included.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

Size 6 1/4, just slightly over.
I do not remove my stones from their antique settings for exact measurements as my items do very well without paperwork (especially for antique pieces created long before the Four C's was invented.) The center old chunky cushion cut old mine cut diamond is about 6mm by 5.5mm in diameter, quite the crown on it and estimates to almost 1 carat alone (about 0.95ct). The twelve stones in the halo are about 2.2mm each give or take. Total estimated carat weight is just over 1.5 carat.

The piece weighs 3.15 grams. The halo is 12mm in diameter. It stands 6mm off the finger to the high crown of the center stone.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

With fancy color diamonds, color is the dominant value factor. Diamond clarity does not add as much value in fancy-colored diamonds because a diamond’s color is the most sought after feature. It is also worth noting it can be more common to find inclusions in colored stones due to how they were formed in the earth, the chemical structure of the stone causing the coloring can also lead to said inclusions. Having said that, the center stone is eye clean!

Interesting to see - it has a carbon spot right up against the girdle but this stone was expertly cut to hide it in the faceting so that the stone still faces up eye clean. This is another example of how the Four C's scale does not do antique stones justice, as the cutters of the time used their knowledge and expertise to enhance each individual stone. Quite amazing to see that carbon spot under magnification when you view the stone's girdle extremely close up, and then spin it to face up only to find that it disappears! So fun to view the piece from the side too to see that chunky crown we all love some much with special antique stones like this one. It is in excellent condition with no chips, nicks or fleabites, just two tiny indented natural inclusions on the girdle under magnification, not visible in the least to the eye.

The white diamonds in the halo are typical for the period, with some natural frosty inclusions. A few of the stones appear quite frosty throughout under magnification but they are smaller so this does not jump out much with normal wear. No dark carbon spots there.

There is a bit of wear to the prongs, one on the center stone is worn back but the others have enough length to well surround it so this one is still ready for pretty regular wear.

My items do very well without paperwork so I do not remove them from antique settings to send for certification but always provide as much detail as possible with measurements, condition notes and many extra photos (see website for more) to capture it true to life in various lighting conditions, which can be translated to grading scales if desired.

What a wonderful color to the fancy stone!

Please note that I take some photos / videos in the sunshine because it captures the lovely color and sparkle, but it also highlights any surface wear, scratches, abrasions, buildup or inclusions that can catch the light, making these things appear worse than they would with normal day to day wear. : ) Hopefully the pics in all lightning conditions help as they serve as part of the description.

Please also 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 : )

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