Antique fine jewelry ring. 18k gold, emerald and diamonds. Made in France. Dates to late 19th - early 20th century.
Comes with GIA report, including origin.
Measurements:
Weight is 5.8 grams. Approximately US size 6 1/4.
GIA report state that the emerald is of Columbian origin with moderate enhancement and measures 8.68 × 8.03 × 4.36 mm (approximately 4.13ct).
Description :
Classic 'Duchesse' elegant ring design. The star of this fine jewel is a gorgeous green emerald from Columbia. The GIA call the cut shield-shaped with step cut. It is held in bright yellow gold prongs that loop around the gem over an openwork gallery. This holds the emerald above the finger so that light comes through from all angles, lighting the emerald from behind as well as above and resulting in magical gleam and glow.
The apex of the emerald meets a round diamond, flanked on either side by two more raised round diamonds. Old European cuts. From the central diamond’s point of convergence, a pair of pavé-set diamond wings gracefully extends beyond the shank’s shoulders. The rest of the shank is a simple, yellow gold band.
The quality of antique French jewelry cannot be surpassed. It is simply the best in both design and workmanship.
Feel like royalty wearing this ring.
Marks and Metal:
Like all French jewelry, the ring is marked on the outside of the band. French eagle head mark (for 18k gold) and a partially legible lozenge, which has 'C' as the first letter of the monogram.
Condition:
Good with negligible 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:
What the French call a Duchesse ring: - I wrote this in a post about the use of French terms in jewelry. (it is a general explanation, not specific to this ring and not to be confused with Duchesse Anne). Duchesse rings for one, are not symmetrical. The Duchesse ring is different lengthwise to sideways. In length, it often features one or two pear-shaped stones set lengthwise (front to back of the finger). The pear-shaped gems or pearls with narrow/pointy edge in the center, near the shank. At the meeting place of these pointy edges and shank, there might be a few smaller, round gems. These do not extend sideways as much as the long, pear-shaped stones extend lengthwise. This makes sense because of course, fingers are much longer than they are wide. There are many variations according to the number of gems used. For example, one long, pointy pear-shaped gem on one side of the shank and a smaller round one on the other. In general, they are longer in one direction and shorter and wider in the other - forming a perfectly balanced design.
In many cases, the cross section of the bezel is in the form of a pair of swags or half-loops, like flying bird wings in a child's drawing.
Duchesse rings are very popular in Paris for obvious reasons - they show off a pear or shield shaped gem to great advantage and they look incredibly elegant on the finger.
