Antique Victorian French 18k Gold Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring Navette Marquise

This unusual antique Georgian era floral ruby and diamond cluster ring dating to around 1800 was probably made in Italy. In the middle of the ring head lies a collet set and foil-backed bright pink ruby. It is surrounded by a sea of 20 flat-cut and closely set diamonds in a flower head cluster style. The raised ruby setting appears to fixed to the ring with a cut-down rivet which is visible on the smooth underside of the bezel. The rosy hued gold ridged shoulders taper down to the back of the shank. This elegant ring sits fairly flat on the finger to allow for frequent wear and is without doubt a particularly unusual and scarce example of its kind. UK size L 1/2, US size 6 4.72g, band tests as 14K gold, bezel tests as silver, ring head measures 14mm x 13mm. Each diamond measures between 1mm and 3mm. Approx 0.3ct...

A superb antique Georgian ruby and diamond ring made in England, circa 1820. The centre of this ‘target’ shaped cluster ring is set with a 1ct cushion cut deep red ‘pigeon’s blood’ r...

A rare late 19th century gem-set princely gold cluster ring made in Siam (Thailand). This gorgeous and colourful gem-set cluster ring is intricately crafted in high-karat gold, by the goldsmiths of the Siam court in the 19th century. The centre features a rose cut diamond in a rubber gold setting which is riveted to the body of the ring which is visible from the underside, a feature typical of 18th and 19th century Siam rings . It is surrounded by a halo of rubies, garnets and diamonds, with emeralds on the shoulders. The thick gold band features pierced scrollwork motifs and is stamped with a French gold import mark from when it was later brought into the country. This ring is a fine example of the lavish adornment worn by participants in royal and aristocratic life-cycle ceremonies in the courts of Bangkok. Aside from ceremonial use, they were also occasionally given as gifts to important visitors or other aristocratic families. Examples of these lavish jewels being worn can be seen on old photos and paintings of life-cycle ceremonies such as the Royal Tonsure Ceremony, also known as ‘the cutting of the top-knot’ ceremony, which marked the transition into adulthood for all of the (many!) sons and daughters of the Siam royal family. The huge expansion in the number of royals in 19th century Siam stemmed from Kings Mongkut (Rama IV) and Chulalongkorn (Rama V...

A rare late 19th century gem-set princely gold ring made in Siam (Thailand). The ring takes the form of a mythical winged bird, possibly the Gar...