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Out of the Ordinary: Unusual gemstones

Unusual gemstones used in antique jewellery


Art Deco zircon diamond ring berganza hatton garden
Art Deco zircon and diamond ring, circa 1930.
Ref: 16986

The popularity of diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald gemstones are well known, these gemstones have been considered precious for centuries, as a result of their rarity, highly revered status and unquestionable beauty. However due to our increasing taste for individuality, it is no surprise that the perhaps lesser known gemstones are becoming more and more popular.

At Berganza we have a large range of antique and vintage jewellery set with rare and unusual gemstones. Transparent examples include the cativating greens of peridot and demantoid garnet, the beautiful blues of aquamarine and zircon, the purple and pink hues of kunzite, amethyst, spinel and rubellite, and the warm tones of topaz, tourmaline, zircon, garnet and citrine. If you would prefer a striking opaque gemstone providing a burst of colour, consider turquoise, coral, lapis, or jade. Opaque varieties include agate, cornelian, jasper and onyx, which can be seen in jewellery dating back as far as Ancient Greece and Rome. For gemstones with other fascinating optical effects, consider opals with their play of colour or moonstone with their shimmering adularescence.

Naturally, antique gemstone rings come in an array of colours. Among the more unusual gemstones you might find one which appeals to you more than the traditional choices, or perhaps a colour that you hadn’t yet considered. We have a rainbow of coloured stones within our collection, all completely natural and unenhanced. A natural stone is called such because it has not been subjected to any treatments. If a gemstone is natural and unenhanced, it is more valuable than a comparable gemstone which has undergone treatment. Today, treating gemstones is almost seen as standard practice, but all of our jewellery is set with gemstones which are the colour they came out of the ground.

The beauty of these unusual gemstones is enhanced by original antique and vintage settings, all expertly hand crafted according to the favoured styling of that particular time period. Original hand-crafted settings display these hand cut gemstones to their best advantage, showcasing their unique colour and charm, often highlighted by scintillating diamonds. Depending on the period different metals were used, from silver and yellow gold, through to white gold and platinum. Ring design and workmanship varied widely across the ages, as new techniques were gradually introduced. We have a remarkable range of Ancient examples, rare Georgian pieces, Victorian clusters and carved rings, elegant Edwardian jewellery, striking linear designs from the Art Deco period and bold cocktail style rings.

At Berganza we specialise in the rare and unusual, with a varied collection of extraordinary gem-set pieces of jewellery appealing to those who are in search of something one-of-a-kind and truly individual. Visit us instore or online to find yourself a truly unique jewel today.

Art Deco golden zircon and diamond ring berganza hatton garden
Art Deco golden zircon and diamond ring, circa 1935.
Ref: 16821
Victorian fire opal solitaire ring, circa 1900 hatton garden
Victorian fire opal solitaire ring, circa 1900.
Ref: 28397
Art Deco onyx and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1920. Hatton Garden
Art Deco onyx and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1920.
Ref: 26786
Moonstone diamond and emerald cluster ring, circa 1890 hatton garden
Moonstone diamond and emerald cluster ring, circa 1890.
Ref: 28216
hawk's eye quartz coronet cluster ring berganza hatton garden
Victorian hawk's eye quartz and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1890.
Ref: 25284
Demantoid garnet and diamond flank solitaire ring hatton garden
Demantoid garnet and diamond flank solitaire ring, circa 1925.
Ref: 27424


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Updated 20/11/2024 at 5:10PM

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