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Directory: Estate Jewelry: Gold: Victorian: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 1486868

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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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18K Late Victorian five stone diamond ring, also known as half hoops, set a jour, with no foiling and open in the back to reflect light and air. The five stone was a classic late 19th century pattern, for good reason; it was great design then and still is today. The generous amount of gold means it can be worn next to other rings without fear of damage to the stones. Note the beautifully hand rendered scroll pattern carved into the gold below the stones. This variation of the half hoop is found with colored stones accented with rubies or diamonds, as well; half hoops of large, old mine cut diamonds like we have on this ring, are much more rare. The diamonds are graduated in size with the largest stone at center; a key to its beauty as it gives the ring symmetry and balance. The graduated stones are an indicator that the diamonds are cut by hand, as machine cut diamonds would all be the same size. All the reasons are why the five stone half hoop ring is one of the most enduring Victorian ring designs today. A photo copy of hand drawn half hoop ring designs from the 1896 catalog of EW Streeter is shown in the last image, with credit to Diana Scarisbrick's book Rings: Symbols of Wealth, Power, and Affection. The ring is a US size 7 and sits 1/4 inch off the finger, and the diamonds are approximately 1/4 inch (5 mm) in height. It weights 3.6 grams.