Antique, Victorian sapphire & diamond three-stone ring

Provenance

Original to c.1880, this late Victorian ring is a refined example of what is known as a carved half-hoop ring, a popular Victorian style characterised by an ornately carved gold gallery that reflected the richness and opulence of the era. This ring is a three-stone, set to centre with a natural oval cushion-cut sapphire that has an evocative midnight blue hue. It feels dramatic, moody and unmistakably Victorian.

Elegantly set in curved claws, flanked by two cushion shaped old-mine cut diamonds, perfectly matched in colour and clarity. Completely cut by hand under daylight or gaslamp, the joy of old-mine cut diamonds is that no two are the same! Each will have a slightly unique distribution of facets, its own proportions and most importantly, its own charming character. What we love the most about old-mine diamonds is that they possess a warmer, softer, more romantic glow as opposed to the much harsher scintillation you get from modern laser-cut stones. Their chunky facets reflect much broader flashes of light and fire and the result is simply stunning.

Interspersed between the central sapphire and the flanking diamonds are four tiny rose-cut diamonds that are barely visible to the naked eye. The rose-cut is one of the earliest diamond cuts, originating from Antwerp during the 16th century; its arrangement of triangular facets is designed to resemble a rosebud. These tiny diamonds, barely visible to the naked eye, are set in silver which is very characteristic of Victorian rings. Platinum would not be introduced into jewellery until 1901, so silver was the de-facto white metal. The shoulders are set with a further rose-cut diamond each, nestled between an ornate foliate motif that flows into the shoulders of the ring which are finely carved with stem-like detail. The gallery has an intriguing design carved into it; symmetrically interlaced scrollwork that feels subtly structured, terminating in coiled volutes. 

The Stones

• Sapphire weight: 0.82ct
• Sapphire size: Length 6.2mm; Width 5.5mm; Depth 3mm
• Total diamond weight: 0.75ct

The Band

• Metal Composition: 18ct yellow gold and platinum
• Hallmarks: Marked with '18CT' indicating 18ct yellow gold.

The Ring Overall

• Front Head Dimensions: Length 7.5mm; Width 16.8mm (including shoulders)
• Height of Setting: 4.5mm
  

General Wear & Condition

• Excellent: minor wear commensurate with age. All stones are secure and well set, with no damage to the mount. Professionally polished and carefully inspected by our workshop, ready to wear and enjoy.

Unless stated otherwise, gem weights and specifications are estimated (assessed in mount).