ABOUT:
Well this is certainly a one of a kind piece and also a bit of a mystery.
I got this one in Paris, it was sold to me from a reputable source as a green tourmaline but it has a very interesting color, almost olive green with a sort of lemon lime inner glow. At first I thought it was a peridot but it is deeper in color than that and also tests as a tourmaline. It is definitely a gem and not paste / glass.
The piece is a fun mix because apparently the ring face was a later addition to the gorgeous floral engraved band that is decorated all the way around. I wonder if it was a wedding band that they added the ring face to later, the band is engraved inside but it is worn and interrupted. I think perhaps it says "Marta"?
The ring face tests at 18k gold and the shank tests at 14k gold but that's not all when it comes to quirks. The band is stamped 585 inside which is the numerical hallmarking system used in many countries in Europe for 14k gold. So we know it is not French in origin as their standard is 18k, although the ring face may be. Oddly, the piece was tested and stamped in the modern era for second hand goods in France but bears their stamp for 9k gold. This is odd because the inside of the shank is stamped for 14k and it tests at 14k. I can see where the small shavings were taken at the back for the later testing so perhaps it was sized only there and that was the result of the lower karat stamp, when it is clearly originally 14k gold, stamped and confirmed by my tests with acid and a Kee tester. The gold shank has a rose gold patina to the raised areas with a pale yellow gold color in the recesses. The ring face is a richer, warm antique yellow gold but to be honest, it matches well overall. The difference in hues is seen more under lit magnification and the patina is actually quite lovely.
A really interesting and quirky piece for sure with the gorgeous floral shank and unique green pop of color to the ring face.
Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size: 5 1/4
Ring face: 10x8.7mm.
6mm tall off the finger.
Weight: 5.5g.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
The tourmaline has two facets of the table facets with abrasions, one being a cluster of deeper nibbles. But it has a beautiful color and overall a nice sheen. You would see the abrasions more when you study the facet edge in a reflection of light. The stone is otherwise not dull or lifeless in any way and has a nice polish, not a matte finish like we sometimes see. See notes above about the gold and patina. The shank has organic wear, it was clearly worn and loved. So many sweet details to this one of a kind piece. Study setting, ready for regular wear as the stone is set in a chunky bezel.
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 : )
I enjoy making my customers happy and matching unique pieces with new homes. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions! It means a lot to me that you are visiting my shop! : )
SOCIAL:
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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).
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