Georgian Sapphire Paste & Diamond Ring

An antique Georgian ring featuring a foiled sapphire paste flanked by smaller foiled rose-cut diamonds, all set in rub-over collets or bezels. With tiny shamrocks at the shoulders, a beautifully articulated scoll design along the hoop and a radiant ribbed design on the "butt" of the ring, it has all the signature charm of the era.

Details: Measuring approximately 7.56 mm north to south at the center front. Not marked for metal content but XRF tests to 9k and sterling silver, the diamonds are natural earth-mind rose-cuts, the sapphire is hand-cut paste. Weighs approximately  2.5 grams.

Size:  It hits the ring mandrel at size 6 but because of the slight D shape of the hoop may fit about 1/2 size larger too. Not resizable.

Condition: In excellent antique condition with a rich patina and minimal wear to the metal, including light marks commensurate with age, slight abrasion to the top of the sapphire paste and darkening to the foiling of the diamonds: still absolutely amazing when one considers this piece is over 240 years old.

History: Backing gemstones with foils was common practice in the Georgian period of the 18th and early 19th century as a way to enhance the reflective qualities and color of a jewel.

**Important care note: rings with foil backed stones should never be immersed in water: remove before showering, dish washing, water skiing, etc. 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.