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Directory: Estate Jewelry: Gold: Pre Victorian: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 1486867

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Moylan-Smelkinson/The Spare Room
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P.O. Box 4684
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
tel. 410-435-3738

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15K Rare Georgian diamond cluster ring consisting of 6 large stones cut en cabochon (no facets and polished smooth) and set in a radial pattern around a large center diamond. 6 smaller stones are set along the border. The border is crimped, a feature of hand wrought gold-work of this period. The diamonds are set in silver. There is nary a claw in sight as the Georgians believed claws detracted from the beauty of the diamonds. The diamonds are cut, unusually, en cabochon; this means they are not faceted but perfectly flat so they are smooth and to the touch. Cutting a diamond en cabochon was an earlier 18th century cutting method, before lapidaries learned how to facet gemstones or understood the properties of light reflection. This means the diamonds are foiled back as a way of reflecting the light. One must avoid moisture while wearing this ring. Note that 18th century diamonds are understated and not flashy in the way modern day diamonds are and are naturally occurring in nature (never made in a lab!). It is a sensory pleasure to run your fingers over the smooth face of this ring and feel the polished smooth diamonds. The band is unadorned. The underside of the cluster ring is a beautiful, hand wrought gold work, a complete work of art in and of itself. A one of a kind, unusual cluster ring you do not want to miss.