ABOUT:
Always a fun treat to find antique rose cut diamonds in open backed settings. So often from the antique period we see them closed and foiled, which are also a delight but the open backed versions are a bit easier to wear and clean.
This one dates to the early 1900s and has a halo setting holding an 8.7mm oval rose cut diamond. The top of the diamond has a nice dome to catch the light like a disco ball and emit rainbows in some light. Also fun to find it oval in shape, as anything outside of the more common round is a fun variety for antiques.
The measurements give it a face up appearance of about 1.2 carat by mm, although the carat weight is much less since rose cuts do not have a pavilion.
It is set in 18k yellow gold and topped in platinum or white gold (They don't usually hallmark for the thin layer and I don't scratch test ring face tops for fear of damage. It is just a thin layer of white precious metal, as was customary for the period to set diamonds in a white metal). The rose cut is held in a bezel with a further halo surround giving it a nice footprint on the finger and a wonderful geometry.
Found in Belgium, it has the 750 numerical hallmark used in Europe for 18k gold and a symbol hallmark.
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 3/4
Diamond is about 8.7 by 5.7mm, widening out an unknown amount in the bezel. Like most rose cuts they have a lower carat weight but the surface area gives it the appearance of a larger carat stone. This spready one has the appearance of a 1.2 carat modern stone by face up measurements, just for comparison's sake and to give you an idea of scale. I was told in actuality it measures closer to 0.7 carat if you were to weigh it, so that can also be considered, however it is not exactly known without removing it from the setting which I wouldn't do.
The piece weighs 3.8 grams. The ring face is 14x10mm stands 5.3mm off the finger to the top of the diamond.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
The diamond moves in the bezel and clicks when you tap it or shake it aggressively but it is still secure. The diamond has loss on one side, the result of an inclusion carrying up to the girdle edge. It is mostly hidden, tucked under the bezel but it, along with the opposite frosty, unpolished edge (which is expected for age as it was cut before technology existed to polish the girdle) can reflect some frostiness around the stone. This is deceiving in photos because the stone is actually eye clean as far as inclusions go so the frostiness is actually reflections coming from that girdle edge. In reality you really have to study it close up from the side to spot it but again it can reflect the light which is what shows in photos and can be seen by the eye. And the loss can be found if you are seeking it out. I would have priced it higher if not for this because it is such a nice size and clarity, but it is still a fabulous and uncommon antique piece. It does a nice job shooting rainbows : )
One area of the white top to the ring face has some deeper scratches along with the surface scratches from wear throughout. 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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