Description
An incredibly rare Georgian Old Cut Diamond 5 stone ring featuring exceptional Old Mine cut diamonds totalling an estimated 2.70ct.
Centre 0.90ct, outers 0.50/60ct and outers again 0.35ct.
Exceptionally clean diamonds, a true investment piece.
Shank has been replaced at some point in her history, substantial and in great condition.
Size J, complimentary resizing offered.
Please do enquire
edrury@fineantiquediamonds.co.uk
History of the Cut down setting.
Over the course of history, settings used in jewellery have changed as fashions, resources, and knowledge have developed. It was the Georgian era (1714-1837) that saw the cut-down setting come to prominence, as a method of setting diamonds and gemstones.
The cut-down setting is a method in which a layer of metal surrounds the stone. The setting is raised at intervals by narrow vertical strips of metal, adding further security. This gives the impression that the metal has been gathered around the stone creating a three dimensional undulating look. In this era, gemstones were cut and faceted entirely by hand, as such, cuts were more irregular and asymmetric. The cut-down setting lent itself to how gems were fashioned in this era, as it enabled the metal to wrap around each unique shape.
This technique can be seen in both silver and gold; however, this beautiful setting method was mostly crafted from silver. Over time, the silver reacts with oxygen in the air, creating the most stunning darkened effect. This feature, oxidisation, is characteristic of original Georgian jewellery today. The cut-down setting required an immense amount of skill, and is therefore a true reflection of the incredible talent that went it into creating jewellery in this era.
