THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT ~
Type: Ring
Materials: 18k Gold, Amethyst, Diamond, Silver
Size: 7 3/4
Era: Victorian 1800s
ABOUT:
Being in this business we hand pick pieces from all around the world, always looking for something unique, show stopping, that we have never seen before. This one ticks all the boxes. I have never seen a gem cut this way so I'm not even sure what to call it - flared diamond shape? And the design makes it look like the rose cut diamonds are dripping down the sides.
Imposing French Victorian Belle Epoque ring. This large antique piece measures 1 1/2 inches at the face with the amazing pale lavender / lilac purple amethyst at the center measuring one inch north south by half inch wide. The ring face is silver and the knife edge shank is 18k gold with rosy patina. All around the ring face are 62 (!) rose cut diamond set in silver with closed back foiled settings providing glints of sparkle and the appearance of a garland draped from the top and bottom.
No hallmarks remain which is common for French pieces as they are marked in the back and often lost during a sizing. But sold to me from a reputable source in France where the standard is 18k and silver (a customary fabrication for the period) and tested to confirm.
This special piece is truly one of a kind.
Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures. Antique box not included.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size 7 3/4. The ring face in millimeters (see also above) is 39x16mm. It rises 6.7mm off the finger. It weighs 7.2 grams. The diamonds are small - 1 to 2 millimeters with most at the lower end of that range, but there are so many of them!
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Under magnification the piece looks quite ancient with very rough cut primitive rose cut diamonds in varying shapes like little shards. Cleary hand cut with rusty spots and uneven edges, nicks and rough spots.
One diamond is missing but it is not very noticeable since most all the antique diamonds have warm hues from age to the closed back. I decided not to take it for a replacement because it is so subtle and the ring face is otherwise original, I wasn't sure how a replacement stone might stick out. I also didn't want to risk affecting the age appropriate patina as again, it may stand out to have the bezel worked on to where it ends up appearing vibrant silver compared to the rest of the piece. I felt it was beautifully wearable as is.
The diamonds have warm hues from age to the foil back. Also some build up as we don't get these closed back pieces wet to clean them. Evidence of a sizing to the back where the gold is a different, more yellow hue.
Considering age, the amethyst is wonderful in my opinion. It has one nick / tiny circular chip to the table facet edge and some scratches along with scuffs to the pointed tips but overall a beautiful sheen and polish and such a lovely color. This can be seen when the surface catches a reflection so something to look for in the photos / videos. No chipped corners, no cracks.
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 dearly love, collect, use and sell antiques so please check out my other listings and thanks so much for stopping by my shop!
SOCIAL:
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