ABOUT:
A classic antique old mine cut diamond measuring around 0.8 carat perched tall in secure prongs in a sturdy, glowing 18k gold setting. This one is ready for daily wear with the prongs holding the stone tightly on all sides and the substantial shank. Stacks beautifully next to other pieces and the height adds a nice drama the way it crops off the finger towards the eye, making the stone appear larger.
Found in France. It has faint hallmarks remaining at the back for the goldsmith and the French 18k gold stamp.
Antique box is not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size: 7, just slightly over.
Weight: 3.2g
Ring face north south measurement: 2.3mm at the base of the diamond setting.
Height off the finger: 7.2mm
The diamond measures about 5.8 by 5.6mm with a nice depth to the chunky cut. It measures around 0.8 carat. This is an estimation as I would not remove the stone from the setting for exact measurements.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Prongs are excellent and shank is a nice width and hand feel making this beauty ready for daily wear.
Typical old hand cut diamonds with some natural inclusions that are slightly eye visible if you are looking for them to seek them out, but seen more under magnification. There is a dark carbon speck and two fainter brown silk inclusions along with some crystal inclusions that can catch the light.
We find these things on antique pieces since less attention was paid back then to studying every imperfection of these old hand cut stones and grading them on a scale, compared to what is done with the millions of carats of modern machine cut diamonds made each year.
It is difficult to judge antique stones against modern day diamonds with their grading system evaluating their mathematically perfected proportions using methods that didn’t exist for hand cut old cut diamonds. No two old cuts are the same as they were crafted in times lacking those modern standards. The diamond cutters of the time were experts at hand cutting each stone to enhance it which means that even lower color grades can be cut to appear whiter. As is the case with this stone, it was cut to face up brighter and to help mask the inclusions. For an antique stone, this one has a noticeable fire as well, so it is not a dull or lifeless stone by any stretch.
Any cloudiness seen in the photos is from buildup behind the stone. I spent a lot of time cleaning it but the bottom of the diamond and culet are hard to reach in the setting the way it narrows towards the base.
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 : )
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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