Antique 'cat's-eye' chrysoberyl and diamond marquise cluster ring. Set to centre with an oval cabochon natural chrysoberyl in open back claw settings with an approximate weight of 1.25 carats displaying strong chatoyancy, surrounded by sixteen round old cut diamonds with an approximate combined weight of 1.50 carats in open back claw settings to a marquise shape cluster form, with open backholing and elegant split tri-part shoulders leading down 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 and a distinctive milk-and-honey appearance under the right light are highly sought after by collectors and gemstone enthusiasts due to their rarity, unique optical properties and striking appearance.

this ring is in good condition.