ABOUT:
I am always seeking out diamonds with hues so I jumped at this antique ring when I saw it. The center diamond is an old European cut measuring about 2 carats alone with a gorgeous fancy brown color that brightens up with flecks of dark honey and rich golden yellow hues when in direct sunlight. It is surrounded by a halo of 20 old mine single cut diamonds with the halo having an ornate, scalloped milgrain design.
The setting is wonderful, with the Edwardian era (early 1900s) piece crafted in platinum but with a yellow gold raised and milgrain bezel surrounding the fancy colored center stone to enhance the diamond's color. The reeded shank adds to the fabulous design elements incorporated into this beautiful ring.
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 European cut ring even more scarce.
It is fun to see the color of the stone and how it varies between lighting conditions, appearing more deep fancy brown in ambient light and lighting up with the richer golden yellow hues in direct light. This one emits an excellent amount of fire and light, especially considering its rich coloring.
I found this one in Switzerland, it is stamped inside with an old serial number but no purity marks, however it tests as platinum.
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 7 1/2, just slightly over.
I do not remove my stones from their 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 European cut diamond is about 8mm in diameter and estimates to around 2 carats alone. The twenty diamonds in the halo are small, around 1.3mm adding another .3 carat. for a total carat weight of about 2.3ctw.
The piece weighs 4.1 grams. The ring face is about 13mm almost square. It stands 5.1mm off the finger.
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. Fortunately, stones such as this one with deep and rich hues does help mask the natural inclusions in the stone. This stone has large dark carbon inclusions along with some crystal inclusions that can catch the light within the stone. Two carry up to the surface leaving an indented natural inclusions at the point of one facet that looks like a nibble, but is a natural characteristic of the stone, and then again in one spot on the outside edge. These are seen mostly under magnification. GIA defines this as a dent that occurs under the surface of a diamond as a result of the diamond cutter's decision not to polish it off, because doing so could end up harming the diamond so the cutters would work around it - this is not considered a defect or blemish. The inclusions are eye visible, especially in direct sunlight, but there is no damage to the stone and the setting is sturdy considering age. The inclusions are less visible in ambient light when the stone appears darker in color. Same for the old mine single cuts in the halo, some faint slightly warm hues and small frosty spots common for the period, seen mostly under magnification.
As mentioned, 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.
What a wonderful color to the fancy brown 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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