Antique 18th Century Portuguese Ring - Size 4.5
A wonderful and rare Portuguese reliquary ring crafted in the 18th century from silver and 18k gold. It features a floral arrangement composed of micro pearls behind glass and is framed by a frieze of foiled back "minas novas" (quartz) with black dots to mimic culets.
In the middle of the 18th century in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, diamond mines and a huge variety of other precious and semi-precious stones were discovered, in addition to gold. Among the former, a variety of totally colorless quartz - hyaline quartz - better known as rock crystal, became especially popular with Portuguese customers. This type of stone, after being cut, can appear to the naked eye very similar to diamond, but of much lower value.
The ring has been crafted in silver on an 18k (tests) band and measures approximately 29.6mm tall by 16.7mm at its widest. This ring is a size 4.5 and weighs 7.3g. It can be sized but, should be sized by a jeweller with experience with antiques due to age and foiling. You will receive the pictured ring.
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