ABOUT:
This fabulously sparkly, all original French antique ring ranks among my very best in terms of size and quality. The Belle Epoque ring features the center old European cut diamond which is a glorious and fiery 3.5 carats. The special stone displays a better than usually found clarity for an antique stone of this size along with a wonderful color and fire, shooting rainbows from within while wearing. It is accented by rose cut diamonds on each side at the shoulders (one stone is an old mine cut) for that added glint of antique sparkle, and adding to the total carat weight of 3.65 Ctw. This fiery beauty is just so fun to wear. The antique diamond is nearly eye clean in an elegant, spready, lower profile and classic setting.
Found in France with their hallmarks for 18k gold, the gold has a beautiful warm and rich tone from age and patina with a hint of rosy hues. It is topped in platinum at the prongs and shoulders, as was customary for the period to set diamonds in a white metal. (I do not scratch test prongs for testing because I don't want to risk damaging it).
See my website for additional photos. This antique piece is yet sturdy, and ready for regular wear which we love to find in old pieces in all original condition.
I don't prefer to grade my antique diamonds with the Four C's grading scale which came about way later for machine cut diamonds with mathematically perfected facets. The scale does not do antique stones justice as they were expertly hand cut to their best advantage, in a much more limited supply compared to the millions of carats of machine cut diamonds made each year now. Their uniqueness and quirks are expected and part of their charm, but - I will pass along the grades as I received them:
The center stone was given K-L in color typical for antique stones. The reputable dealer I purchased it from had grated it VVS in clarity. There is one indented natural inclusion off the culet that appears like a small frosty, linear wisp. This can catch the light and be very slightly eye visible if you are seeking it out. GIA defines the indented natural inclusion as a dent that occurs under the surface of a diamond as a result of the diamond cutter's decision not to polish it off, because doing so could end up harming the diamond so the cutters would work around it - this is not considered a defect or blemish but under strong magnification it looks like a frosty linear speck.
Especially considering the age of the stone, it is very lively and sparkly, not dull or lifeless in any way. The rainbows shooting from the fiery stone are visible even in ambient light. The frosted girdle that we look for to authenticate its age is medium in thickness with a few flea bite nibbles that were likely done in the cutting of the stone that are not eye visible. There is one additional indented natural inclusion at the girdle that was polished around that is very slightly eye visible due to the shinier finish compared to the rest of the frosted girdle but you have to seek it out / study it more from the side. There are no dark carbon spots or large inclusions or damage to the stone, so nothing glaring, the majority of the stones' eccentricities are seen mostly under magnification and it is better than most for clarity for a large antique diamond. Again, a very special stone.
This subtle K/L color found in antique diamonds is a personal favorite of mine to get that palest yellow warmth, again expected and even sought after as most of the rough diamonds from the period came from mines that produced warmer stones. I noticed the photos in the warm winter sun seemed to also warm up the diamond but it actually faces up quite white in other lighting conditions which I find quite fun. This is an example of how the Four C's scale for modern machine cut stones don't always do vintage and antique stones justice. You can actually see in the pictures how the piece in one area of direct light appears that lovely palest yellow, but the same angle in slightly different light and it appears quite white! I love to find these eccentricities in these special, one of a kind older stones. Hopefully the photos in various lighting condition help as they are a true representation of how the piece responds to sun and ambient light. It's certainly one of my best in terms of quality and to me, it wears quite large in scale with the 3.5 carats, but I suppose that is a subjective opinion : ).
Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures. Antique box is not included.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size 5. But sizable with good prongs to enable sizing, usually within 2 sizes is a recommended guide to discuss with your local jeweler who would be doing the work.
The diamond measures about 9.6mm with a deep pavilion. I do not remove antique stones from their settings for exact measurements but estimates to around 3.5 carats. The smaller rose cuts are 1.5mm each for a total carat weight if around 3.65. It stands 6.7mm tall off the finger.
The piece weighs 4.6 grams.
CONDITION NOTES:
The prongs are excellent, she is ready for daily wear with a sturdy ribbed shank and no evidence of any repairs or alterations.
Typical antique diamond characteristics mentioned above with a frosted girdle, which adds to the authenticity of the old cut stone (we'd have concerns about age if it were perfectly polished). Additional diamond notes above are really the only things to report about this special ring, it is otherwise crystal clear. Exceptional fire to this diamond. One of the best solitaires I have ever sourced, I am in love with the color and the classic antique setting. Typical antique rose cuts with their irregular facets and some frosty spots. Any warmth seen is the result of a bit of buildup behind in the hard to reach small openings but I did give the ring a light cleaning. Except for one diamond in one shoulder is an old mine cut that is warmer in color compared to the rest which are rose cuts. I don't think it is a replacement?
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 enjoy making my customers happy and matching unique pieces with new homes. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions! It means a lot to me that you are visiting my shop! : )
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#ddm.1@$2
