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Antique emerald and diamond ring, French circa 1905.
Ref 12556
Octagonal emerald to centre with an approximate weight of 0.70ct, in a millegrained setting. Outer border is made up of graduated diamonds with a scalloped edge setting, approximate total weight of diamonds is 0.80ct. With diamond set shoulders, mounted and set in platinum. An ornate gallery to a triple split and ridged shank.
GALLERY On a ring, the area below the setting, usually described as pierced, carved, etc.
MILLEGRAIN A type of setting for stones in which tiny beads of the metal are raised to grip the girdle and so enhance the sparkling effect.
PLATINUM Platinum is the hardest precious metal. It is lighter, harder and stronger than gold or silver which it superseded as a setting for diamonds making finer intricate settings possible. Platinum is considered the ideal material for diamond settings. Platinum was first hallmarked in the UK in 1975.
Diamond Diamond is the hardest of all gemstones (and the hardest naturally occuring mineral on earth)with a score of 10 on the Mohs scale. The word comes from the Greek word 'Adamas' meaning invincible. The diamond has been a highly prized gemstone for the last three thousand years.
Emerald Emeralds are a variety of the Beryl family coloured green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Beryl scores 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale. Most emeralds are highly included, so more care is recommended when wearing. The word "emerald" comes from the Greek 'Smaragdos' meaning green.
Shank The part of the ring that encircles the finger, not including the top piece or head.
