Hancocks Victorian Old Mine Diamond Natural Pearl & Banded Agate Necklace c.1865

A sapphire and old cut diamond three stone ring by Hancocks, set to the centre with a beautiful cushion shaped Ceylon padparadscha sapphire weighing 4.16cts claw set in 18ct rose gold between two old mine cushion cut diamonds, one weighing 0.73ct and of F colour and VS2 clarity and the other weighing 0.78ct and of F colour and SI1 clarity claw set in platinum, all to a finely handcrafted 18ct rose gold mount with square section band with ornate scroll and foliate hand engraved decoration. Maker Hancocks Period Contemporary Origin London Gemstones 4.16ct cushion shape Padparadscha Ceylon sapphire no heat with GIA certificate 0.73ct F VS2 old mine brilliant cut diamond with GIA certificate 0.78ct F SI1 old mine brilliant cut diamond with GIA certificate Setting 18ct rose gold and platinum with maker's mark and London assay marks Weight 6 grams Dimensions UK finger size L, US size 5.75 Head 9mm x 17mm Band 2mm Condition New Directors Notes Padparadscha sapphires are a particularly special variety of sapphire, being the rarest of colours that sapphires are naturally found in. True padparadschas are a unique blend of pink and orange, exhibiting elements of both these colours in the same stone. Historically found only in Ceylon, the name ‘padparadscha’ (pronounced pad-per-add-sha) is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word ‘padmaraga’ referring to the colour of a lotus flower. However, most lotus blossoms are actually more pink than orange so today it is often thought of as a mix of lotus pink and sunset orange. Due to their rarity these stones are amongst the most expensive in the world. As with all gemstones, those that are certified untreated will attract a premium and, like blue sapphires, many padparadschas are heated to improve their colour. So gems such as this one which have received no treatment are even more rare and desirable. Today orangey-pink sapphires are found in Vietnam, Tanzania and Madagascar, however purists believe only those found in their original location of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) should be termed true padparadschas. The spotlight was turned on these beautiful gems when Princess Eugenie...

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