ABOUT:
This is the only labradorite ring I have ever found aside from one in my personal collection (and I am always looking for them).
One of my favorite stones, these are difficult to find in vintage and antique jewelry, especially rings such as this one in all original condition. And this one is dated! Inside it is engraved 24-8-11 and 24-8-36 for August 24th (they put the day before the month in Europe). Was apparently given in 1936 to commemorate a 25 year anniversary or birthday. : )
We see carved pieces of labradorite in the Victorian era, usually as pins or buttons, always very valuable and highly collectible. When we do find them as rings, they are usually either modern or converted. This all original, almost antique ring was sold to me as a sapphire but I knew better. : ) Scarce to find especially as this one is 88 years old.
These stones are fascinating - note that it is not chipped or abraided or dull. These natural stones appear like a galaxy in dark, almost deep gray to black and marbled with white veining on the surface. But when reflected in the light, the stones glow bright iridescent, reflective blues shooting light out from within almost like an opal or moonstone would. This schiller or fire is such a special characteristic of the stone. Like moonstones, this stone is in the feldspar family.
Found in France, but no hallmarks remain. Sold to me as 18k and tested.
Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size 8 1/4 , The ring face is 9mm north to south and domes 7.4mm off the finger. The stone is almost 7mm wide. It weighs 5g.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Some surface wear and nicks but overall, a nice sheen. You can see the linear inclusions - these are not cracks or damage but natural veining in the stone which always appears in labradorite.
Note that the glow varies, being subdued in some light and more of a flash in others. I had run out of sunlight and didn't do the best job at capturing it but hopefully the images in varying conditions help. In ambient light it appears dark navy with the natural gray characteristics of the stone on the sides, but any time direct light, the blue glow appears.
The edge of the shank is a bit blunt due to age and wear. I did not find it uncomfortable to wear.
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 : )
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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 : )
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#t.!12$
