This outstanding antique gold ring features an octagonal step cut sky blue sapphire. The natural, unheated sapphire weighs approximately 4cts and is bezel set in 18K gold. It is flanked either side by two rose cut diamonds in closed-back and foiled silver settings. The triangular facets of rose cuts were very popular during the Georgian and Victorian periods as they glistened more beautifully in candlelight than any other cut. The underside of the domed bezel is engraved with rays and is open-backed to allow light to pass through the stone. The shoulders are beautifully decorated with black enamelled swirls and white enamel dots; the unusual enamelwork continuing all across the shank.

The ring is typical of late 18th century rings, however the open-back bezel and enamelwork hint that it could have been made a little later, probably circa 1900 and in Rococo revival style.

UK size R/US size 8.5

The ring weighs 4.2 grams, it is unmarked but tests as 18K gold. Diamonds have an approx weight of 0.3ctw. The sapphire weighs approximately 4cts, is of a sky blue colour, unheated and probably originates from Ceylon, Sri Lanka.

The ring is in great overall condition, minimal damage to the enamel. The sapphire is in great condition, under 10X magnification there is some very light wear with abrasions to the facet junctions, and the underside of the sapphire could do with a proper clean as there is some dirt/dust in the corners of the setting, which thankfully will be very easy to clean as the stone is set in an open-backed mount. The ring sits flat on the finger for comfortable wear and is a truly marvellous piece to behold.