ABOUT:
This one really stood out to me in a group shot because of the incredible sparkle it emits. At the center we have a larger oval old mine cut diamond measuring just under one carat, raised in prongs. It is surrounded by a lower tier of transitional cut diamonds for a total carat weight of about 2.1 carats.
This French antique piece is crafted in 18k white gold, faint hallmark strikes remain but tested as well, with tall linear prongs. The setting props up the stones making the ring face on the higher side for added drama. The setting makes me think of the tricks of professional fishermen, who hold the fish closer to the camera to make it appear at its largest. : ) The way the cluster pops off the hand, it is really attention grabbing.
The prongs are excellent and sturdy making this beauty ready for daily wear. Always nice to find when working with antique pieces where age related wear is usually typical and expected.
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:
Size 5 3/4.
I do not remove my stones from their settings for exact measurements. The center old mine cut diamond is about 6.7 by 5.5mm and measures almost 1 carat alone (about 0.95 carat). There are two larger transitional cuts on the right and left side measuring 3.8mm each with deeper cuts, about 1/4 carat each. The other eight stones measure 2.5 to 3mm each. Estimated total carat weight for the piece is about 2.1 carats.
The piece weighs 3.9 grams. The ring face is 12.5 by 13.5mm. It stands 8.5mm off the finger.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
The setting is very sturdy. When I run my hand across the ring face, the prongs do feel blunt. So while it is ready for daily wear, I expect it might catch on sweaters and I wouldn't wear it to play with my baby niece to be honest. This isn't a condition issue, but just how the piece was made.
Evidence of a sizing in back with slight difference in hue, it is a bit thinner there and slightly out of round.
The largest center stone is eye clean but has some tiny microscopic nibbles around the outside edge and one area of small indented natural inclusions on the girdle that the diamond cutter worked around. Because it is just above the girdle edge, it runs up and down and is somewhat hidden. All of this is seen mostly under magnification. Some faint natural inclusions and frosty spots to the smaller stones but due to the size of the stone, they are difficult to detect. Some slight warmth to the diamonds typical for older stones, but overall well matching and bright. The stones are full of life and sparkle.
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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