Late Victorian blueish moonstone and brilliant cut diamonds engagement ring

As their name suggests, moonstones have been associated with the moon over various cultures and ages due to their typical milky blueish effect and white reflections reminiscent of the full moon shining through a veil of clouds.

With its appearance, man has attributed the same gifts of the moon to moonstones. As the moon renews itself monthly, so would moonstones retain youth, restore broken love and improve fertility. As the moon influences the tides, so would moonstones protect against stormy waters. Legend even has it that the ever-changing blue and white lustre of a moonstone is a sign of a beneficent spirit dwelling within.

It's clear that a lot of history and lore hides within this gem. But of course, no need for any excuse to purchase a charming ring with a moonstone as its center. And yet, it wouldn't hurt to give it a rub to see if a genie pops out, would it?

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring)

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: something between the Late-Victorian and Belle Epoque style - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration.

Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament.
And the Belle Époque style (Belle Époque is French for "Beautiful Era") was a period in European social history that began during the late 19th century and lasted until World War I. Occurring during the time of the French Third Republic and the German Empire, the "Belle Époque" was named in retrospect, when it began to be considered a "golden age" the major powers of Europe, new technologies improved lives and the commercial arts adapted Renaissance and eighteenth-century styles to modern forms. In the newly rich United States, emerging from the Panic of 1873, the comparable epoch was dubbed the Gilded Age. In the United Kingdom, this epoch overlaps the end of what is called the Victorian Era there and the period named the Edwardian Era.
  -  See also: late-Victorian or more info on styles

Style specifics: The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837-1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period.

Jewelry of this period is changing back from heavy to more smaller, romantic pieces with often whimsical motifs. Jewelers using diamonds and bright gemstones in elaborated and fine feminine pieces.

Period: ca. 1890
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Material: 18K bi-color (yellow and white) gold
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Extra information: Betrothal rings were used during Roman times, but weren't generally revived in the Western world until the 13th century. The first well-documented use of a diamond ring to signify engagement was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in imperial court of Vienna in 1477, upon his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy.

Before the 20th century, other types of betrothal gifts were common. Before the end of the 19th century, the bride-to-be frequently received a sewing thimble rather than a engagement ring. This practice was particularly common among religious groups that shunned jewelry. Engagement rings didn't become standard in the West until the end of the 19th century, and diamond rings didn't become common until the 1930s. Now, 80% of the women are offered a diamond ring to signify engagement. (from: Wikipedia)

Diamond(s): 12 old brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 2.10ct.
Two old brilliant single cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 0.06ct.

Total diamond weight: approx. 2.16 crt. with an average colour and clarity: G/I, vs/si.

- All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Precious stones: One moonstone with an estimated weight of ± 4.20ct.

- All color stone weights are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and moonstone for July.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: No trace.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: top of ring 1,85 cm (0,73 inch) x 1,47 cm (0,58 inch)

Weight: 5,30 gram (3,41 dwt)

Ring size Continental: 53 & 17 , Size US 6¼ , Size UK: M

Resizing: Free resizing (only for extreme resizing we have to charge).
  -  (more info on ring sizes)

Reference Nº: 18256-0128

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

bi-color jewelry, yellow gold jewelry, jewelry with diamond, jewelry with moonstone, latest acquisitions,
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Jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
January - February - March - April - May - June - July
August - September - October - November or December.


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