Edwardian 1900 18ct Gold Emerald and Diamond 0.45cts Cluster Ring

If it was good enough for Cleopatra than it is good enough for us. Emeralds were famously coveted by the Queen of Egypt and for centuries they were considered one of the rarest and most expensive gemstones in the world, especially those of the highest quality. Worn as an engagement ring by Jackie Kennedy, Halle Berry, Zoe Salanda and Olivia Wilde, the emerald complements very well with diamonds to bring out that extra wow factor in the design. As previously mentioned, the diamond cluster ring is gaining in popularity amongst many brides-to-be and antique jewellery collectors, particularly as a choice of gemstones and as a central piece surrounded by clusters of round diamonds. 

This 18ct yellow and white gold emerald and 14 diamond cluster ring totalling 0.45cts ticks all the right boxes. The square cut of the emerald changes the overall aspect of the design making it appear more modern and geometric, however the rub-over setting of the round diamonds including on the shoulders makes the ring more delicate, feminine and sophisticated. As emerald is 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale the bezel provides an added protection to the emerald. 

The popularity of gemstones and the diamond cluster engagement ring is informed by Princess Diana’s iconic Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cluster ring in the early 1980s and again when it re-emerged decades later upon the engagement between Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. This style of ring is the perfect symbol of love as well as exuding class and elegance.

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18ct Victorian Ceylon Sapphire (2.00ct) & Diamond Cluster Ring Circa 1900

The sapphire and diamond cluster ring was an instant classic amongst fashionable ladies during the Victorian era and the popularity of the style has continued to go from strength to strength in the 21^st century. This exquisite oval sapphire gemstone is not just any blue sapphire, but a natural Ceylon Sapphire of the finest deep vivid colour, weighing in at 2.00ct. Ceylon, or Ceilão was a name given to Sri Lanka when the Portuguese colonised the country in the early 1500s. Although the country gained independence in 1948 it was still widely known as Ceylon until it was officially named as Sri Lanka in 1972. However, sapphires from Sri Lanka are still named  Ceylon Sapphires, where a vast majority are predominately found. Although Sapphires are found in many countries, Explorer Marco Polo named Sri Lanka as having the most beautiful Sapphires in the world.

For centuries the Ceylon blue sapphire has been most coveted by royal families and aristocrats from around the world, admirers considered sapphires as a symbol of power, love and loyalty. Some of the world’s most famous women have worn Ceylon sapphires as their engagement ring, notably due to its beauty, allure and durability. Princess Diana wore the renowned 12ct oval Ceylon Sapphire engagement ring surrounded by round brilliant diamonds made by esteemed royal jeweller Garrard. The ring was then passed down to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Other prominent wearers of Ceylon Sapphires are Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Catherine II of Moscow.

This dazzling antique oval Ceylon Sapphire is surrounded by 14 x 0.05ct Old Mine Cut round diamonds totalling 0.70cts, colour I-J and VS-SI clarity. It is set in 18ct white gold with an 18ct yellow gold split shank tapered band that is both comfortable and secure. As a September birthstone sapphires would make an excellent birthday gift as well as gift for 5^th and 45^th wedding anniversaries. It is possibly the second most popular choice for engagement rings after diamonds. However, the popular combination of sapphires and diamonds gives you the best of both worlds.

 To view more fabulous antique sapphire jewellery please visit our website

www.stevensher.com.au