ABOUT:
If you know me, you know I treasure and seek out old cut diamonds with hues, more uncommon than the whites / colorless. So here's a special two tone beauty with ornate details.
This French Belle Epoque antique ring has a gorgeous light brown / champagne colored diamond at center flanked by two colorless / white old mine cuts to provide a wonderful contrast. The three larger diamonds are bezel set in a line with swirling details at each shoulder set with additional diamonds.
It is crafted in platinum with the French hallmark.
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 mine cut cluster ring even more scarce.
It is fun to see the color of the center stone and how it varies between lighting conditions, appearing champagne / light brown in ambient light and lighting up with the richer brown with some golden flecks in direct light. The flanking colorless stones are a genius addition because the contrast helps accent the color of the center.
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:
A snug size 5.
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 champagne is about 5.1mm and about .45 carat. One is 5x4.7mm slightly cushion cut and super extra chunky measuring about .55 carat. The other is 4.7mm and about .5 carat.
Keep in mind I am measuring these under magnification down to a half millimeter, but while wearing the three larger stones appear pretty uniform. They are set in round milgrain bezels to also help the hand cut stones match. It is fun to see though their slight variances in form which is one of the joys of one of a kind antique hand cut diamonds.
The eight little accent stones are 1.5 to 1.7mm each.
Total carat weight is about 1.6Ctw. This is an estimate as I would not remove them from the setting to weight them for exact measurements and their girdle thickness is hidden in the bezels.
The piece weighs 4.1grams. The ring face is about 21x12mm wide to the scrolled shoulders. It stands 4mm 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. The center stone has a linear carbon inclusion, slightly eye visible, masked some by the hue of the stone.
The white diamonds are also typical for antiques with varying hues. The top two are eye visible if you are seeking them out when you rotate the stone as you can see the frosty line. The other white diamond also has an area of crystal inclusions that can reflect around the stone. The smaller ones are also typical little rougher cuts stones with some rough edges, frosty spots and varying hues. They are very small so they just add a glint of sparkle.
As mentioned, my items do very well without paperwork so I have not sent the stones 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! The setting is in good shape with the three larger diamonds well held in their bezels. Still I always recommend gentler wear with antique pieces in all original condition and multiple stones.
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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