ABOUT:
Twenty three untamed old mine cut diamonds on this chunky navette make this one an impactful, dramatic and sparkly piece. Fun to wear!
Textook French fabrication in 18k rosy gold with knife edge shank and raised shoulders holding an additional diamond for added sparkle across the finger. It is topped in platinum as was customary for the time to set the stones in a white metal. Quite a sturdy piece with nice quality hand feel. I am always drawn to navettes, they are so attention grabbing and dramatic.
I say these old diamonds are untamed because the cuts are clearly hand chiseled, all irregular, some with the extra high crowns, giving the ring face a cobblestone appearance and a wonderful sparkle. It is fun to view from the side! One of the tiny spacers is a single cut and likely a replacement but the difference is not eye visible because it just adds another glint of sparkle amidst the prongs which are beaded to add to that texture.
No hallmarks remain which is actually common for French pieces as they are marked in the back and often lost during a sizing or from wear. But sold to me from a reputable source in France where the standard is 18k and tested to confirm.
Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
Exact depth of the diamonds is unknown as I would not remove them. The largest center old mine cut measures about 3.5mm flanked by a 3mm on each side. The other diamonds are 1.5 to 2.2mm each with the two tiny spacers measuring 1mm. Estimated total weight in diamonds is around 1 1/4 carat)
The ring is a size 9 and weighs 4.2g. The ring face is 22x9mm and stands 4.2mm tall off the finger.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. Some worn prongs especially around the outside edge but the piece appears to have been fortified in some places. So you can see some of the platinum metalwork, particularly around the two small spacers where we suspect the one single cut is a replacement. I did have my goldsmith double check it to make sure nothing was in danger and none of the stones move. But on a piece of this age with small stones, we usually recommend more gentle, special occasion wear (although to be honest I see more stones lost in vintage machine made pieces than I ever see in these old hand made pieces.)
The shank is a bit thin in the back and has a blunt edge from wear. Evidence of a sizing.
Typical antique diamonds with some natural inclusions, some frosty or icy appearance to some of the smaller stones. There is a slightly eye visible inclusion in each of the flanking stones in the center. No nicks and scuffs. No dark carbon inclusions. Some warm hues to a few diamonds. Still - A Wonderful and impactful antique sparkler.
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 : )
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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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