Provenance

Original to c.1900, this sapphire and old-mine diamond cluster ring is nothing short of mesmerising. Crafted in Austria, it is a beautiful example of Jugendstil - the German and Austrian expression of Art Nouveau. Photographs scarcely do it justice; this is a piece with a presence that must be experienced.

Set to centre with a natural, unheated sapphire, elongated cushion-cut and just shy of 2ct. It has a deep, velvety midnight-blue hue, with exceptional clarity. The sapphire is elegantly claw-set in an open-backed mount, allowing light to enhance its depth and richness.

Surrounded by twelve cushion-shape old-mine cut diamonds, again the quality of these stones is unmatched. The old-mine cut is one of the earliest diamond cuts and these stones originated from the old mines of either India or Brazil, the earliest known sources of diamond. Entirely cut by hand, traditionally in natural daylight or candlelight, no two old-mine diamonds are ever the same; each has its own charming character and unique sparkle. They are known for their soft, romantic glow as opposed to the harsh scintillation of modern laser-cut stones.

I absolutely love the chunky proportions of these diamonds and they have been perfectly matched in colour and clarity. Claw-set in silver above a finely pierced gallery, exquisitely detailed. Beneath, a rose gold collet engraved with delicate fluting. 

The cluster follows the elongated cushion outline of the sapphire, creating a distinctive and extremely elegant composition. The shoulders are each adorned by an additional old-mine cut diamond, grain-set and decoratively framed by subtle ridge detailing, while finely engraved line-work evokes the flowing elegance of Jugendstil architecture.

The Stones

• Sapphire weight: 1.9ct
• Sapphire size: Length 9.1mm; Width 5.7mm; Depth 3.7mm
• Sapphire: GCS Certified; Natural, unheated of Basaltic origin. Old cushion-cut. #78172-39.
• Total diamond weight: 2.40ct; Fourteen cushion shaped old-mine cut diamonds.

The Band

• Metal Composition: 14ct rose gold
• Hallmarks: Marked with '565' indicating 14ct gold.

The Ring Overall

• Front Head Dimensions: Length 6.45mm; Width 16.5mm (including shoulders)
• Height of Setting: 6.7mm
  

General Wear & Condition

• Excellent: minor wear commensurate with age. All stones are secure and well set, with no damage to the mount. Professionally polished and carefully inspected by our workshop, ready to wear and enjoy.

Unless stated otherwise, gem weights and specifications are estimated (assessed in mount).