Antique Georgian ring. 18k gold, silver and diamonds. Made in France, circa 1780 or before.
Measurements:
Weight is 3 grams. US size 8.5.
Description :
Line of old, table and point cut diamonds. As was the custom in those days, to show diamonds off to better effect in candle-light, diamonds are set in silver, but the rest of the ring is 18k gold. Simple, plain round shank. Diamonds are very simply cut - some are flat on top as is typical of the Renaissance era and one with minimum faceting leading to a point.
The charm of this ring lies in its age. Sturdy and well made - the ring has survived intact for well over 2 1/2 centuries and possibly a lot more.
It is great worn alone or stacked with other rings. For the person who really appreciates historic value, can make a great wedding band. Wear with your shorts, your jeans, to work or a party - this ring matches and suits it all.
Marks and Metal:
Outside of shank, the ring is marked with the swan and owl marks used from 1893 and so struck by the French assayer well after the ring was made.
Condition:
Wear commensurate with age, but otherwise good condition. No signs of alterations or restorations. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
The very simple cut of the diamonds, with minimum facets shows us that this is an extremely old ring and might date back a lot earlier than stated. The diamonds could date back as far as the Renaissance and are almost certainly well before the French Revolution. Naturally, with a ring of this age, the diamonds are not well-matched in size and shape. Techniques for diamond-cutting were very limited at the time. The glow is more subtle than today's brilliant cut, but it is richer and full of meaning. Just think of the generations and generations of women who wore this ring over the centuries. Each woman cared for and enjoyed it - very likely her only and best jewel. She passed it on to her daughter, her grand-daughter and so on. Now it is our turn to enjoy and care for the ring. Hopefully, it will eventually go down to future generations to continue the chain of owners.
