Victorian Elegance: A Diamond Engagement Ring, Circa 1900

A splendid example of Late Victorian artistry, this engagement ring, circa 1900, exudes the era's penchant for ornate design. With origins believed to be Belgian, it showcases two tones of precious metal: the dominant 18K yellow gold harmonising with white gold or platinum accents. The ring features two old brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.45ct in total, complemented by 38 rose cut diamonds and senailles, adding a subtle sparkle reminiscent of the period's elegance. Its design embodies the Victorian era's diverse influences, from Eastern exoticism to the beginnings of Art Nouveau. This piece not only represents a romantic commitment but also a rich historical tapestry, making it a timeless treasure for any collection.

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

Condition: very good 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: Late-Victorian - 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. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
  -  See also: late-Victorian or more info on styles

Period: ca. 1900
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Material: Two tones of precious metal, the main part being 18K yellow gold and the white parts are either white gold or platinum.
  -  (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): Two old brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 0.45ct. (colour and clarity: H/K, i).
38 rose cut diamonds and senailles . A senaille is a simplified rose cut diamond, a small diamond chip with perhaps a few polished facets. We do not have the weight of the rose cuts diamonds nor the senailles which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cut diamonds and senailles.

- All diamond weights, color grades and clarity 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.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

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

Dimensions: top of ring 1,84 cm (0,72 inch) x 1,55 cm (0,61 inch)

Weight: 5,00 gram (3,21 dwt)

Ring size Continental: 52 & 16½ , Size US 6 , Size UK: L

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

Reference Nº: 18085-0030

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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