Antique, Victorian sapphire and diamond half-hoop ring

Provenance

Original to c.1880, this late Victorian ring is a refined example of what is known as a carved half-hoop ring. The carved half-hoop was a hugely popular Victorian style characterised by its use of coloured gemstones and diamonds, set above an ornately carved gold gallery that reflected the richness and opulence of the era. Here we have three oval old-cut natural unheated sapphires with a combined weight of 2.50ct. They have been exceptionally well colour matched and graduate in size with the larger central stone weighing 1.09ct alone. The sapphires have a gorgeous lagoon-blue saturation, bright, lively and glinting flashes of bright azure as the ring is turned under light.

Set in between each of the sapphires are old-mine cut diamonds, arranged in pairs - one stacked above the other - to create the illusion of a single larger stone. This particular design detail isn’t common in other carved half-hoop rings from the period and adds a subtle intrigue to an already unique piece. Four diamonds in total, combined approximate weight 0.30ct. Painstakingly faceted by hand under either daylight or gas-lamp, the joy of old-mine cut diamonds is that no two are the same! Each has its own distinctive sparkle and charming character.

The gallery is especially refined, featuring delicately carved gold scrollwork which evokes the unfurling tendrils of a vine tree. The shoulders are carved with almost branch-like detail and effortlessly taper to a solid 18ct yellow gold band. A beautiful heirloom ring with elegant proportions suited to flatter every hand.

The Natural Stones

• Central Sapphire weight: 1.20ct
• Central sapphire size: Length 6.4mm; Width 5.4mm; Depth 3.6mm
• Total sapphire weight: 2.50ct
• Gem Certificate: Natural, unheated Basaltic sapphires; Cushion-cut; Accompanied by GCS certificate #5786-2267.
• Total diamond weight: 0.30ct; Four cushion old-mine cut diamonds.

The Band

• Metal Composition: 18ct yellow gold.
• Hallmarks: Marked '18ct' indicating 18ct yellow gold. Further marked with indistinct maker's marks that we could not trace further.

The Ring Overall

• Front Head Dimensions:Length 7mm; Width 20mm
• Height of Setting: 3.3mm

General Wear & Condition

• Excellent: 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).