EAGLE French ANTIQUE Art Nouveau .45 Carat Old Mine Cut DIAMOND Heavy 12.4g 18k Gold Ring

ABOUT:

Such striking movement to this figural eagle ring with outstretched wings wrapping around the ring shoulders. It has a chunky old mine cut diamond held in it's mouth, raised in prongs. This Paris find is just an amazing example of French Art Nouveau / Belle Époque jewelry.

Throughout time, the eagle was considered a messenger of the gods and has signified many things: strength, courage, immortality. It was used as a symbol of power in France by Napoleon's army.

The piece has a very heavy hand feel, a striking footprint on the finger and a rich, buttery glow with lifelike detail. It bears the French hallmarks for 18k gold.

Antique box in photos is not included.

Please note the measurements as it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

Size 8, a little over but does not reach 8 1/4. The ring face is 19mm north south, weight is a Very sturdy 12.4g.
The diamond is about 5x4.5mm. I would not remove it for exact carat weight but around .45 carat.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Typical antique diamond with a slight warmth to it, but for the period it has a very nice clarity with only a small hairlike inclusion and a smaller indented natural inclusion polished over one girdle edge, seen only under strong magnification. It has a nice chunky cut with a high crown. One nibble to one are of the girdle which is wider and typical for old hand cut stones, it is right next to a prong and again seen only under magnification. To the eye and while wearing the diamond has no notable issues.

There are some tool marks and uneven areas to the gold inside the ring at the shoulders, sides and towards the back. This is not evident while wearing. When I study it I can see a small seam on each side halfway back so it may have been sized at one time.

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! : )

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