Provenance

Original to c.1805, this Georgian era ring is a truly rare example of early 19th century craftsmanship. Set to centre with an octagonal-cut unheated sapphire with the most delicate wisteria-like hue. The sapphire hails from the historic mines of Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka), which is the source of the world's finest sapphires. 

Mounted in a closed-back foiled setting this ring is a quintessential example of Georgian craftsmanship. Foiling - a technique widely used from the early 18th to the mid-19th century - involved placing coloured metallic foil beneath a gemstone before sealing it within a closed-back setting. The foil would influence the colour and appearance of the gem to accentuate its colour and give it a brighter luminosity.

At a time when gemstones were considerably rarer and less accessible than they would become in the Victorian era, this ingenious technique also allowed for colours and visual effects that might otherwise have been impossible.

The Natural Stones

• Sapphire weight: 1.35ct
• Sapphire size: Length 8.6mm; Width 7.1mm
  
• Gem Certificate: Natural; Unheated; Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin; Rectangular emerald-cut; Accompanied by GCS gemstone certificate #5786-2859.
• Total diamond weight: 0.25ct; Peruzzi-cut diamonds.

The Band

• Metal Composition: 14ct yellow gold

The Ring Overall

• Front Head Dimensions: Length 9.6mm; Width 19.4mm
• Height of Setting: 4mm
  

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).