Victorian Chunky Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring

A pretty spectacular late 19th-century Victorian ring, featuring a large natural salt and pepper rose-cut diamond; the rose-tinted yellow gold mounting is hand-cut filigree, crafted with arabesque prongs, a closed seat and foil backing that makes the stone shimmer and sparkle along the facets like a brilliant beacon of light.

It's elegant and romantic with unmistakable antique cachet. 

Not only April's birthstone and a classic engagement favorite, diamonds are also a traditional reference to fidelity, constancy, power and strength, among other things. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that a diamond would grow darker in the face of guilt and shone most brightly for the innocent and pure of heart.

Details: Measuring approximately 3/8" north to south, with the shoulders tapering gently through to 2.25 mm at the center back, and a rise of 8.4 mm above the finger when worn. Not marked for gold content but XRF tested to 10k (actually 11k which may have been intended to be 14k but antique alloys are notoriously variable). The diamond weight of a rose-cut in a closed back mounting is hard to assess as they cannot be accurately measured; the stone in this ring is slightly oval with an approximate 8.4 mm by 9.7 mm diameter, so faces up like a 2-2.5 ct diamond by that standard.

Size: Currently size 8, and resizable 1-2 full sizes without issue. Please send us a message before purchase if you are interested in the details of our sizing service.

Condition: In excellent antique condition, with a gentle antique patina speaking to dignified age and slight oxidization of the gold. There are some subtle tool and saw marks, as evidence of its handmade nature.

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. It gives a stone like this a lovely glitter in soft candle light as well as a brighter glow in modern halogen.

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.