Three-Stone Old-Cut Diamond Ring

Curator’s Note: “Three old-cut diamonds sit in a row, with the largest in the middle and a smaller one on each side. Every stone is held in eight small claws, each ending in a tiny ball, and the settings are in white platinum on a warm yellow gold band. The shoulders are pierced with small round holes, which keeps the ring light. The diamonds carry scratches and small natural inclusions, and they show their age honestly. They show the soft, deep light of stones cut by hand, long before modern cuts.”

Story of the Period: In the Edwardian years, the three-stone ring was the ring of promise: past, present and future, one stone for each. Jewellers set the diamonds in platinum, which is strong and stays white, and kept the band in 18ct gold. The stones were cut by hand, so they are slightly different from each other, and the light they give is soft and warm, not sharp.

Details:

N: 025/26

Era: Edwardian, c. 1900 to 1920

Material: Platinum settings (stamped PLAT) with an 18ct gold shank (tested; the second mark is worn)

Gemstones: 3 old-cut diamonds in a graduated row: 1 centre stone approx. 6mm, approx. 0.75ct; 2 side stones approx. 4mm each, approx. 0.20ct each; approx. 1.15ct total (estimated). Approx. colour J, clarity I1 to I2.

Ring size: UK N½ / US 7.25 / EU 55

Weight: 3.25g

Condition: Good, with visible wear. All stones are secure and the claws are sound. There are scratches to the diamonds and to the metal, more than light surface wear. The ring appears to have been resized.

Provenance: Sourced in the United Kingdom

Gemstones are described from our own examination. Not laboratory tested; stones may be treated.

Ships to Hungary and the EU.

Viewings by appointment in Budapest, Paris, London or online.