Antique Georgian ring. 14k gold, silver and diamonds. Made 18th - early 19th century. Bought in France, but believed to originate in the Netherlands (Holland).
Measurements:
Weight is 4.0 grams. US size 7 1/2.
Description :
Flower form. Central round diamond, very gently faceted, coming to a low point. Surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds that form the petals. These diamonds are minimally faceted, hinting at a very early age. Diamonds are held in silver collets - the metal pulled up around the diamond, holding it in place. The central diamond with additional reinforced 'stations' around the collet, almost but not quite prongs. Silver was usually used to set diamonds in order to show it off to better effect in candle light. The silver was then laid over the gold mount. Trifurcated shoulders in the form of 3 leaves. Foliage leads to the gold shank, engraved with a scrolling pattern all the way around.
Suitable for any occasion and makes a unique engagement ring.
Marks and Metal:
Hidden amidst the engraved foliage on the outside of the shank is a French shell mark for 14k gold and a partial swan mark for silver.
Condition:
Minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
This ring is a great example of how jewelry has a rich and fascinating past. While most likely made in Holland, the ring definitely lived in France for many, many years as we can see from the French hallmarking on the outside of the shank. While we do not know exactly who owned it, she must have been wealthy as the ring shows off so well. We also know that the ring goes back a very, very long way from the way the diamonds are cut. By 1800, we would expect rose-cuts, but here we have really old stones that could go back a significant amount.
What is wonderful about antique jewelry like this is that despite its age, the ring is as wearable today as it was 2 or 300 years ago. It looks just as fabulous on the finger. Who were the many generations of ladies who enjoyed wearing it? How and why did it get to Paris? We will never know, but that is one of the intriguing mysteries of antique jewelry.
