Berrylicious : Victorian Era Ruby and Old Cut Diamond ring in 18ct Gold

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A knockout example of a classic Victorian ring featuring three large and deeply saturated purply-pink natural rubies and two bright and lively old cut diamonds in an 18ct yellow gold setting. This style of ring is often called a “five stone” or “row ring”, it was popular in the late Victorian Era through the Edwardian Era, circa 1880 – 1910.

The combination of rubies and diamonds – two of the rarest and most valuable gemstones – has a long legacy in the symbolism of the stones. Ruby is said to be the “King of Gemstones” and a symbol of passionate love. In the language of gemstones diamonds are said to represent infinity and endurance – the combination of stones symbolises ‘passionate love enduring forever’ which is a bold and romantic sentiment, echoed in the row of golden xxx (kisses) on each shoulder.

My very favourite part of this ring is the gorgeous detailing around the gemstones – the little diamond shaped sections that each diamond sits inside really tugs at my heartstrings. A tiny detail that makes a world of difference.

This style of ring was popular choice as an engagement ring in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. The stones are of magnificent quality and the ring has a huge presence on the hand – the diamonds and rubies both sparkle magnificently at any and every opportunity. This ring can definitely hold its own as the only ring on your hand, or would work well in a stack of suitably sublime pieces.

Manufacture:
Made in 18ct yellow gold with worn English hallmarks to the inside of the band for 18ct with Chester assay mark. Unfortunately the date mark has been rubbed away so we can’t pinpoint her birthday. The style is very much later in the Victorian Era, into the Edwardian Era with the streamlined unfussy gallery, and geometric styling at each shoulder, tapering to a smooth half-round band.

The rubies and diamonds have all been verified as natural by an independent gemologist.
The largest ruby is oval in shape and measures approximately 5mm x 4mm –  45 points (0.45 carats), with the two side rubies measuring 3.33mm diameter – 16 points each.
The old cut diamonds are bright white and deliciously sparkly. They have an approximate diameter of 2.5mm each.
All of the gemstones are securely bead set.

The face of the ring measures 18.6mm x 6.14mm and it sits 3.05mm high on the finger.
Weighs 3.4 grams.

Size M or 6.25
Resizing (up or down by 4 sizes only) is possible but problematic – please contact us for further information.

Condition:
This ring has been well loved over the last century and more. There are signs of wear commensurate with age and use, most of which can only be seen with the aid of a loupe, but are specified here for full transparency. There is facet wear to the rubies and a chip to the table of one of the diamonds. There is a slight but stable split to the gold band.
The ring has been thoroughly checked by an independent antique jewellery specialist and is ready for immediate and everyday wear.

You can see a video of this ring on my Instagram feed @secret_histories, or online here.

Description

A knockout example of a classic Victorian ring featuring three large and deeply saturated purply-pink natural rubies and two bright and lively old cut diamonds in an 18ct yellow gold setting. This style of ring is often called a “five stone” or “row ring”, it was popular in the late Victorian Era through the Edwardian Era, circa 1880 – 1910.