ABOUT:
A rare antique Scottish three stone ring with unique and beautiful coloring and hand engraved details at the shoulders and shank.
I love this one for its interesting gemstone combination but even more for its origin. Scottish gold is special because it is quite rare in the market. The gold was ethically mined in the highlands of Scotland in a very limited supply. So while some may say the value of gold is the value of the gold, Scottish gold can actually command higher prices due to its exceptional rarity. It is considered one of the rarest precious metals on earth and is sought after for this reason. This is really why I purchased it.
Early 1800s Georgian era piece with Scottish hallmarks for Inverness ("Invss") and a maker's mark DF for Donald Fraser. Fraser set up his workshop in 1804, having enough success to take on several apprentices in the early 1900s. Records of him discontinue around 1829.
I only wish I knew the stories this ring could tell. Just looking at it for me invokes mental images of the Scottish Highlands, and of course Inverness being a popular destination for a romantic (or Gasp! Scandalous!) elopement.
The three stones are old cut with open culets, a crimson to maroon old cut garnet in center flanked by an old cut citrine on each side.
I love the tulip floral shoulders. Linear engravings continue all the way around the back of the shank. It has a warm antique patina. So lovely...
Quite a striking piece and stacks well. No gold purity marks but tests at 14k. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from the pics. Antique boxes, props, dishes, mice ; ) not included.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size 8 1/4. The piece weighs 2.6g. The garnet is about 7x6mm, the citrine are about 5mm each.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
One of the citrine has large circular shards of loss on one inside edge. It still appears full in the setting in that it fills the round space, but you can see the loss to the inside edge leaving an unpolished area. That stone also has more abrasions around the table facet. The garnet also has a circular shard of loss to the surface under one prong along with some nicks. It has some natural inclusions within that can catch the light. Please seek these things out in photos. The other citrine is complete but has abrasions to the table facets as well. Wear to the prongs as expected for an all original piece of this age, but wow what a rarity. I've only had 2 Scottish gold rings in the decade I've been doing this.
Please also 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 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 would be delighted if you'd follow me in my shop. Thanks for stopping by!
SOCIAL:
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