Photo Credit: gemcitygems
Modernist 18 Karat Rose Gold and Mandarin Orange Garnet Ring by Peter Barr
Buy It Now Price: $1,700 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a breathtaking modernist 18 karat rose gold ring set with a vivid 1.65 carat Mandarin orange garnet of excellent quality.
-The ring was designed by Peter Barr, an award winning jeweler who currently operates out of his gallery in Corpus Christi, Texas. He only produces custom designs, so you will never find an identical ring by his hand.
-The ring is hallmarked with “18K” gold and Peter Barr’s maker’s mark.
-This modernist orange garnet ring weighs in at a substantial 11.3 grams. Jewelry that is very heavy for its size often indicates high quality construction. That is certainly the case in this instance.
-With gold currently trading at $1,319.40 per troy ounce, the melt value of the ring is about $360. The Mandarin garnet mounted in the ring is worth anywhere from $150 to $250 per carat, or $247 to $412 for the gem. I estimate the total intrinsic value of the ring between $607 and $772.
-This ring is really a masterpiece of modernist design. Its use of textured rose gold as a subtle contrast to the fine Mandarin orange garnet centerpiece is a stroke of artistic genius. Based on its superlative attributes, this piece of jewelry is almost certain to experience strong price appreciation in the future.
Cons:
-The ring’s $1,700 cost might seem high given that the intrinsic value of the piece is only $772 at most. That means the ring’s intrinsic value constitutes a maximum of 45% of its asking price. But this ring is so well designed and executed that it is worth significantly more than the sum of its parts.
-This ring is relatively recent, having been created no earlier than the 1990s. In fact, it is probably from the early 2000s. That means it will be many decades before this vintage ring completely seasons into a full-fledged antique.
-The creator of this modernist ring is still making jewelry today. It may be possible to buy a similar, although not identical, piece directly from him for less money. I must admit that I find this prospect extremely remote, however. His work will not come cheaply.
