Antique Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Ring
A spectacular late-Victorian statement ring that features a large natural aquamarine that is reminiscent of a reflecting pool.
What makes this ring so extraordinary is its rare historical architecture. Because natural aquamarine crystals grow in narrow, hexagonal prisms, 19th-century gem cutters almost exclusively used emerald or rectangular step cuts to preserve rough weight. Carving an oval stone of this large size required sacrificing a large amount of premium rough material, making an antique oval this size incredibly scarce.
The aquamarine also features a highly specialized historical flat-top table facet bordered by sharp crown facets. This style acts as a window - light plunges straight through the clear table face and bounces off the faceted geometric patterns and gold backplate, acting like an internal light box to amplify the stone's watercolor clarity. Through its large table, the stone reveals beautiful, perfectly parallel internal growth lines - often referred to by gemologists as "rain" inclusions. These delicate internal structures are characteristic of wholly natural, unheated antique gemstones.
The massive aquamarine was secured in a beautifully detailed serrated bezel setting nested inside dark, patinated silver. It is bordered by a halo of old cut diamonds featuring high, hand-faceted crowns. This entire cluster sits on an intricate 14kt rose gold backplate and band. The elegant shoulders split into a classic Italian forchetta (forked) design, featuring delicate hand-detailed leaf motifs. The reverse of the ring showcases a sculpted radial fan pattern (rayonner), with a central light aperture revealing the faceted pavilion layout. An absolutely showstopping ring.
The ring face measures 15.8mm x 18.1mm, with the aquamarine weighing an estimated 4.80ct. Approximately 0.10cts of old cut diamonds create its oval frame. The entire ring weighs about 5.67g and is stamped with a later 14k hallmark. The ring was previously resized and can be resized again. It is currently a size 9.
* Sizeable
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