Raspberry Romance : Victorian Ruby Ring with Rose Cut Diamond Halo

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My eyes popped right out of my head when I laid eyes on this wonderful old treasure, and I wasted exactly no moments in claiming her. It was love at first sight for me, and I hope it will be for you, too. The star of the show is an absolutely heavenly ‘fine bright red’ natural ruby with pink tones. The ruby is deeply saturated and remarkably free from inclusions – so much so that I was concerned that it might be synthetic but no – my gemologist assures me it’s a wonderful natural ruby. Adding to the allure is a halo of rose cut diamonds, which twinkle in that special way rose cuts do – kind of like a little giggle. It’s all brought together in a luscious 18ct yellow gold setting with decorative shoulders.

This ring is the embodiment of small joys. It’s a pleasure to look at and a pleasure to wear. It radiates  with pleasure. Rubies have long been held as gemstones of truly phenomenal properties, but are widely regarded as the the stone of love and prosperity. Diamonds, of course, represent infinity. As this ruby is held in a sparkling embrace of diamonds you could say that the ring symbolises eternal love. It certainly feels like it.

Manufacture: 
Modelled in 18ct yellow gold and hallmarked to the inside of the band with assay marks for Birmingham, and the most adorable makers mark I’ve ever seen : a little star! The date letter was unfortunately lost in an old resize so it’s not possible to pinpoint the year of manufacture, but the style of this ring is recognisable as Victorian Era circa 1870 in every way – from the rose cut diamonds and coronet setting to the decorative shoulders with their knowing nod to the architectural revival fashion of the day.

The old cut ruby measures approximately 4.4mm x 3.6mm – approximately 1/3 carat. It is free from visible inclusions with no nicks or scratches and only the most gentle signs of wear. The nine rose cut diamonds that make up the halo are a mixture of grades, as is to be expected in jewels of this era. Each stone is approximately 1.5mm, and are individually claw set in a coronet setting.

The decorative shoulders lead to a classic half-round band of 2.5mm width.

The face of the ring measures 8mm x 7.75mm.
Sits 3.6mm high on the finger.
Weighs 2.4 grams.

Size L1/2 or 6.25
resizable by your local bench jeweller

Condition:
In very good antique condition with signs of wear commensurate with age and use. The only visible sign of resize is from the inside of the band where the hallmarks have been cut. Ready for immediate wear, but please do wear wth care.