I take regularly scheduled inventory trips around Europe and the USA to hand pick items one at a time to offer in my shop. Some examples seen in the group photo. Thanks for stopping by!
ABOUT:
Here's an interesting oldie. The design is someone snake like to me with the coiled details all around the shank leading to what resembles a head on each side?
I bought this one not only for the unique design and amazing hand feel (more on that below) but also for the gemstone. After the Perpignan garnet and old cut diamonds of course, the imperial topaz is right at the top of my list - those gorgeous peachy hues somewhat uncommon in the gem world. And just so lovely.
This Georgian era piece has the old cut natural topaz set in a closed back foiled collet setting. The shank fabrication is super interesting in that all parts are 18k gold, but there is a standard shank with then additional strips of 18k gold wrapped around it to give the shank that coiled spring appearance. The result is a rounded and smooth shank leading up to the domed back imperial topaz so it's just a delight to slide on and off the hand, like a comfort fit band, it feels great against the finger.
Really beautiful coloring and an interesting design to this one.
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.
The topaz is 6.7x5.3mm.
4mm tall off the finger.
The piece weighs 2.65 grams.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Gorgeous color and overall nice sheen and polish. Upon closer inspection, some spotting from age to the foil back but no dark or glaring rustiness or muddy appearance at all. Some wear to the collet so this one needs gentler wear considering age of over 200 years. The stone has some nibbles and small abrasions and a tiny chip to the outside edge seen only under strong magnification. Overall it has a nice sheen and polish compared to many stones of this age that have a matte finish from age and wear, this one still shines. Some natural inclusions when looking into the stone.
At the back of the shank, three of the gold straps have loss to the center. The piece does not come unwound and while you can feel a bit of roughness, it is not sharp, although it can catch on things when rubbed against fabric. The shank is completely and totally stable, not flimsy or delicate, and a sizing or some attention in that area could likely result in smoothing the back section out entirely but I sell them as I receive them in all original condition. Sold as is so if you could kindly seek this out in the photos.
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 : )
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 : )
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).
Box#sc.5^2
