Photo Credit: The-Chelsea-Bijouterie-Ltd
Antique British 18 Karat Gold Victorian Diamond Ring
Buy It Now Price: $478.35 (price as of 2017; item no longer available)
Pros:
-Here is a captivating British Victorian diamond ring set in solid 18 karat gold from around the year 1900.
-The ring originates from Great Britain, as evidenced by the “18CT” hallmark on the shank of the piece. “Carat” is the British word used to describe gold purity while in the U.S. it has been Americanized to “karat”.
-This Victorian diamond ring weighs in at 2.7 grams (0.087 troy ounces), which is fairly substantial for a ring of this type. The ring is currently a size 5.5, but could be resized up or down by any competent jeweler.
-At the turn of the 19th century, when this ring was made, the British Empire was at the height of its influence, prosperity and power. Queen Victoria, the sovereign who had overseen the phenomenal modernization and expansion of the nation, was enjoying the final years of her remarkable reign.
-This antique ring is set with three old European cut diamonds, a predecessor of the modern round brilliant cut. This antique diamond cut emphasized fire (rainbow flashes of light) over brilliance (white pin-pricks of light) and was perfect for the low-light environments common before the widespread adoption of electric lights.
-The two flanking old European cut diamonds set in this Victorian diamond ring measure approximately 3 mm (0.118 inches) in diameter and weigh an estimated 0.125 carats each. The central stone is slightly larger at 3.5 mm (0.138 inches) in diameter and an estimated 0.20 carats. The total diamond carat weight of the piece is about 0.45 carats.
-The ring is in very good condition, with only moderate wear. This is especially impressive considering this Victorian diamond ring is about 120 years old.
-The diamond cuts, hallmarks and style of this ring are completely consistent with an antique piece of jewelry from the Victorian era. These older pieces are getting progressively harder to find at reasonable prices. In light of these facts, the $478.35 asking price is actually fairly low.
Cons:
-The old European cut diamonds mounted in this ring are relatively small, with none exceeding approximately 1/5 of a carat. All else being equal, a single large diamond is worth more than several smaller stones adding up to the same carat weight.
-This Victorian diamond ring is a relatively modest, entry level investment piece. However, it is still a genuinely antique specimen with an attractive look and robust construction. A more lavish antique ring with larger diamonds would be far more expensive, probably on the order of several thousand dollars or more.
-Even though this ring has a makers mark, “F. ST”, I was unable to identify the jeweler who made it. Knowing that information would boost the desirability of the piece.
