Antique cat's eye chrysoberyl and diamond coronet cluster ring. Centrally set with a natural cabochon cat's eye chrysoberyl in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 11.42 carats, encircled by a single row of fifteen round old cut diamonds in open back grain and claw settings with an approximate combined weight of 2.70 carats, to an elegant circular cluster with finely pierced claws and intricate circular backholing, flanked by gently inwardly tapering shoulders with cheniers flowing through to a solid D-shape shank. Tested yellow gold, circa 1900.

Cat’s Eye has the longest history of gems in the chrysoberyl family. It was treasured in Asia before the birth of Christ and became quite well-known in Rome by the end of the 1st Century. The popularity of cat’s eye chrysoberyl sky-rocked in the 19th Century after the Duke of Connaught presented his fiance with a cat’s eye betrothal ring. Ceylon, where most of the finest examples of cat’s eye were sourced at the time, could not keep up with the overwhelming demand!

Fine specimens with a strong and well-defined cat's eye as well as a distinctive milk-and-honey appearance - as exhibited in this piece - are highly sought after by collectors and gemstone enthusiasts due to their rarity, unique optical properties and striking appearance.

This ring is in excellent condition.