Antique French Victorian 18k Gold 2.7ct Carbuncle Garnet Diamond Cluster Ring

This stunning antique cluster ring was made in France and dates to around the mid 19th century, circa 1860. In the centre rests a smooth banded agate in an open back setting, encircled by a halo of rose cut diamonds in closed-back, cutdown silver settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.15 carats. The ring has a decorative pierced gallery in the form of crescents and a solid semi-circular shank. The shoulders are decorated with two applied fleur-de-lis, each set with rose cut diamonds in silver settings. The main colour of the milky agate is a creamy-brown hue with a darker brown band on one side. The diamonds are rose cut, the triangular facets of these cuts were very popular during the Georgian and Victorian periods as they glistened more beautifully in candlelight than any other cut. This elegant ring sits flat on the finger, the stones are secure in their settings and the ring is in superb condition despite its significant age, a truly rare find! UK size U / US size 10, 5.44g, French ’tête...

A rare late 19th century gem-set princely gold cluster ring made in Siam (Thailand). This gorgeous and colourful gem-set cluster ring is intricately crafted in high-karat gold, by the goldsmiths of the Siam court in the 19th century. The centre features a rose cut diamond in a rubber gold setting which is riveted to the body of the ring which is visible from the underside, a feature typical of 18th and 19th century Siam rings . It is surrounded by a halo of rubies, garnets and diamonds, with emeralds on the shoulders. The thick gold band features pierced scrollwork motifs and is stamped with a French gold import mark from when it was later brought into the country. This ring is a fine example of the lavish adornment worn by participants in royal and aristocratic life-cycle ceremonies in the courts of Bangkok. Aside from ceremonial use, they were also occasionally given as gifts to important visitors or other aristocratic families. Examples of these lavish jewels being worn can be seen on old photos and paintings of life-cycle ceremonies such as the Royal Tonsure Ceremony, also known as ‘the cutting of the top-knot’ ceremony, which marked the transition into adulthood for all of the (many!) sons and daughters of the Siam royal family. The huge expansion in the number of royals in 19th century Siam stemmed from Kings Mongkut (Rama IV) and Chulalongkorn (Rama V...

Antique Opal Cluster Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Introducing a stunning Victorian 18ct gold cluster ring, featuring a magnificent op...

This is a lovely Victorian garnet and diamond cluster ring. The ring features a central elongated garnet flanked by three old cut diamo...