Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Ring

A late 18th-century Georgian ring, featuring three foiled rose-cut diamonds in sterling silver cut-down collets, mounted to a 14k rosy-yellow gold band. The cut-down collet technique, sometimes referred to as pinch mounting, allowed a tight fit, which was especially important for foiled or irregularly shaped gems such as these glittery rose-cuts with their romantic smoky flash.

The ring is likely English in origin but the French owl and swan hallmarks on the outside back of the band indicate import into France at some point in the 19th century. French control over precious metals brought into the country was strict and all jewelry legally declared would have been marked as imported gold, silver or platinum.

Details: Measuring approximately 1/4" north to south at the center front, tapering through the shoulders to 1.49 mm at the center back. An accurate estimate of the diamond weight is impossible, given the mounting of the stones, but they measure approximately 4.5 mm on average. Professionally tested for 14k.

Size: The curved face with it's closed flat back makes it very comfortable on the finger. Currently size 9 1/4 and slightly resizable. Please convo me before purchase if you are interested in the details of our sizing service. 

Condition: In excellent very antique condition, with a rich patina and general darkening of the foiling behind the stones. A few of the diamonds show age-related wear, with some surface reaching inclusions. There are some areas of lighter gold inside the band as evidence of repair or resizing, not visible when worn. 

Care note: Foil-backed diamonds should never be immersed in water: remove before showering, dish washing, water skiing, etc. as moisture could get behind the stone and cause the metal foil to oxidize and darken. An accidental splash shouldn't be a problem but you don't want to submerge the ring for any period of time. I do advocate removing antique rings for manual labor and intense activity.