THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT ~
Type: Ring
Materials: 18k Gold, Diamond, Silver
Size: 8 3/4
Era: Georgian 1700s
ABOUT:
Rare French regional seven stone ring with a prong set rose cut diamond in the center with 6 smaller diamonds arranged in two triangles, one on each side. Of the smaller diamonds, three are rose cuts and three are the old table cuts. They are set it closed cut down collets. The ring face is in silver as expected for the time. The shank is 18k gold with no hallmarks. The center diamond is pear or heart shaped.
This style of ring was popularly in Normandy and Western France in the 18th century, which aligns with the table cut diamonds.
In my research I learned that the stones are sometimes set on pink tinted silver leaf, which one of these appears to be. I'm not sure if they were all tinted and that has faded but one is definitely quite pink in color.
The seven stones were believed to bring good luck and also represented fidelity every day of the week (and every day of one's life.)
Antique box not included.
SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:
Currently a size 8 3/4. The piece weighs 3.6 grams. The center diamond is about 5.5 by 4.5mm. Each of the side diamonds are about 2 to 2.5mm (but may widen out further in the closed collets).
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
All my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. One of the side rose cuts had its setting reinforced with prongs, the stone must have been coming loose. The center diamond is a pear (or heart shape) but is rough looking with nicks, nibbles and chips to the girdle, on one side especially. It also has a nick to the top pointed facet of the rose cut. It has some icy inclusions which on one side giving it a frosty appearance on one side and the stone has the frosty girdle. It may be from trauma to the stone or a natural inclusion within it. It has a very old look with the uneven edges one might understand on a 250 plus year old piece. The other diamonds have inclusions as well with some nicks and chips and wear to the edges of the table cuts along with warmer hues from the closed back settings. All the stones though are secure and the shank is sturdy so it is still quite wearable which is a pleasant surprise for something of this extreme age. It still presents beautifully and a very unique piece with a beautiful history and a great antique look. But due to age - please note this is not a mint condition item.
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