Georgian Foiled Citrine "Oil & Vinegar" Ring

A sweet early 19th-century Georgian ring featuring an oval citrine that's been backed by pink foil creating a shimmering color effect in the stone known as "oil and vinegar". The citrine is set in a cut-down collet or pinched bezel mounting, common to the era, with a hollow construction at the shoulders and a solid gold hoop. 

Details: Measuring 3/8" north to south at the center front, with a 1.93 mm width at the center back and a faintly visible 'E.L." engraved behind the face. Not marked for gold content but XRF tests to 10k yellow gold. Weighs approximately 1.9 grams.

Size: 7 1/4 and slightly resizable. Please send us a message before purchase if you are interested in the details of our sizing service.

Condition: In excellent antique condition. The stone has a shallow chip at one end of the oval, not easy to discern without magnification. There's a slight darkening inside the band at the center back, not visible when worn, as evidence of an antique resizing.

History: Backing gemstones with foil was a common practise in the Georgian period of the late 18th and early 19th century as a way to enhance the reflective quality and color of a jewel. The advanced lapidary knowledge needed to cut a stone properly for clarity and brilliance had not yet been developed and the best natural gemstones were reserved for wealthy royalty and the clergy.

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 shoudn't be a problem but you don't want to submerge the ring for any period of time.