Antique ring. Mainly 925 (sterling) silver, with some yellow gold. Exact date unknown, but possibly late Victorian or early 1900's, made in India.
Independent appraisal.
See the Story below for more details.
Measurements:
Weight is 3.5 grams. Approximately US size 6 1/4. 1.58ct diamonds; 0.73ct ruby.
Description :
A rare flower-form ring with diamonds set continuously around the entire shank — a striking and unusual detail rarely seen on antique rings.
Flower theme with the bezel (top) of the ring formed by a slightly raised oval ruby, like the center of a flower, held in gold and surrounded by a ring of Old European cut diamonds, set in silver as was the custom in order to show diamonds off to greater effect. The shoulders are 2 pairs of diamonds in leafy form that lead to a continuous line of diamonds that run the entire way around the shank. It is very rare to find rings with diamonds set all the way around the shank.
Each diamond is individually set in silver.
Ring has great sparkle, glitter and gleam. Looks great on the finger.
Marks and Metal:
No marks. Metal was electronically tested.
Condition:
Good with 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:
For centuries, Europeans made the journey to India in search of magnificent gems — a tradition later continued by figures such as Jacques Cartier, who sought out Maharajas willing to share the contents of their jewelry chests. As early as the Victorian era, much jewelry sold as English or European was, in fact, made in India — both the gems and the craftsmanship originating there, largely unknown to buyers at the time. By the 1920s, the tide had turned: Indian Maharajas began bringing their own jewelry to Europe to be reset, giving rise to some of the celebrated Art Deco pieces created by houses such as Boucheron and Cartier.
The exact origin and age of this ring remain something of a mystery — even the seller had no definite information on its history. Based on the Old Mine cut diamonds and the crimped collet settings, the ring likely dates to the 19th century; we have conservatively suggested "early 1900s." Flower-form rings were popular for centuries, so the design itself doesn't narrow the date, and the rarity of the continuous diamond band doesn't offer further clues either.
What is certain is that this ring will draw admiration wherever it's worn. It was acquired in India, where a great deal of European-style jewelry was made — so whether it originated in Europe and traveled to India, or was made in India for a buyer with European tastes, remains an open question.
The ring was independently appraised - appraisal available to new owner.
