![]() ![]() The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Italian luxury jewelry house Bvlgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. ![]() modern diamonds.Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world. I read one article that put it nicely: “When searching for the perfect old cut diamond (for you), you need to view them through different eyes as you would for a modern diamond, Laboratory grading reports don’t offer too much information in regards to their individual beauty or sparkle which are based more on their individual character and uniqueness that each one potentially offers.” Just an interesting comparison of antique vs. So it is less about their grades and more about the unique play of light and color that each one can offer. It is also interesting that "lower graded" diamonds in today's scale system, were some of the best on the market during this period! The diamond cutters of the time were experts at hand cutting these stones to enhance them, which means that even lower color grades can be cut to appear whiter. No two old cuts are the same as they were crafted in times lacking any modern standards. ![]() So it is difficult to judge antique stones against modern day diamonds and their grading system. (Sure people probably appreciated a certain look of a certain diamond as it appeared to the eye but it was not a graded scale like we have today.) The whole "4 C's" of cut, color, clarity, carat didn't come about until the 1940s so prior to that and especially on antique pieces, there was not as much emphasis placed on those things. But Due to age - please note this is not a mint condition item. Something to keep an eye on over time but all the stones are secure. Some worn prongs here and there but all are holding the diamonds securely. I and many other antique jewelry collectors actually enjoy finding these unique characteristics in pieces from the period. Some slightly varying hues which are eye visible, reading a bit more gray and contrasts slightly with some of the brighter white diamonds. I don't detect any damage and no glaring inclusions, nothing eye visible and no dark carbon spots but a few frosty specks or areas under magnification. Most of the diamonds are old mine cuts with a small handful that are old European cuts with lower crowns. Stands 5mm off the finger, the ring face is 20x10.5mm (or 0.8 inch north south).Īll my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. It can easily be removed by any jeweler, and especially if the buyer plans to have the piece sized.Įxact carat weight is unknown as I would not remove the stones but the reputable dealer I purchased it from estimated it at around 1.5 carats which aligns with estimates online by mm as each is around 2.5 to 3mm. The purpose of these can be for sizing, or arthritic fingers, but also as may be the case with this ring – to provide weight and a hold at the base of the finger since the piece is top heavy, so it doesn't spin sideways while wearing. I couldn't get an exact measurement because it has sizing beads / ball rivets in gold soldered to the back inside of the shank. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos. I got this in France, it has the French hallmark for 18k gold.Īntique box not included. An excellent Cobblestone encrusted design with a great antique sparkle and eye catching footprint. 18 diamonds in all, in rows of three above a raised filigree setting. Awesome French antique early 1900s cluster ring completely encrusted in old cut diamonds. I always think of these as grid rings but - panel, lozenge, platform, cobblestone - all apply! This one is so striking with the large rectangular face.
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