Toi Et Moi - Victorian Signed 'ASH BROS' 14K Gold Natural Old Mine Cut Diamond & Natural Emerald Bypass Ring (VICR177)

Toi Et Moi - Victorian Signed 'ASH BROS' 14K Gold Natural Old Mine Cut Diamond & Natural Emerald Bypass Ring.  This exquisite ring is crafted from 14K yellow, gold, hallmarked 14K, and ASH BROS. The ring features one natural Old Mine Cut diamond, one natural emerald-cut emerald, Victorian styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring is expertly set with a beautiful glowing diamond, and a wonderful vibrant green emerald. The two gemstones in this type of setting represent 'you and me' or the 'toi et moi' ring. The shoulders are a bypass design, and the band is smooth and polished, which allows for a comfortable fit and easy sizing. This symbolic Victorian era ring would make a unique engagement ring, gift, or addition to any fine jewelry collection.

Comments: A wonderful rare find. 

Note: Appraisal included with the ring. Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the  value of antique jewelry. 

History : The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. A majority of these early stones were transported along the network of trade routes that connected India and China, commonly known as the Silk Road. 

The Old Mine Cut diamond, a historical style of diamond cutting, gained popularity in the late 18th centuries, particularly during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. Originally used to describe diamonds from older mines in Brazil and India, the term eventually encompassed any diamond cut in a similar squarish shape with a high crown, small table, and large culet. These diamonds were hand-cut and known for their unique, often asymmetrical, facets, which produced a softer, more subtle brilliance than modern cuts. 

You cannot look at Old Mine Cut diamonds with a formula in mind, its value is object driven. They are a greater challenge in estimating weight once they have been mounted (especially if they are closed back). The Old Mine Cut diamonds are hand cut, which makes them so special .

In 1953, GIA formally created its diamond grading system, known as the 4 C's. The 4 Cs of diamond quality are the universally recognized diamond grading system still to be used today.  1n 1955, GIA presented its first diamond grading reports, which became the hallmark of grading reports in the diamond industry. Before this time in antiquity clients did not care about diamond grading. It was based more so on the size of the diamonds (according to budget) , style, and sentiment.  This ring is a wonderful example of the Art Deco era, just beautiful! 

Emerald gemstones were mined in Egypt as early as 330 BC, but some estimate that the oldest emeralds are 2.97 billion years old. Cleopatra is perhaps the most famous historical figure to cherish emerald gemstones.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

History. Brothers Aaron and Albert Ash from North Carolina moved to Birmingham in 1903 and began selling jewelry from a horse-drawn cart. They eventually retired the horse and buggy and set up shop alongside a dry goods merchant.

Toi et Moi, meaning ‘you and me’ in French, might be some of the most romantic and simple words someone could hear from a love one. Having these words translated into a ring is even more romantic! Toi et Moi rings are made with two stones that are set next to each other without ever touching and  on the same ring. Historically, these stones were of similar size and shape, but contemporary designers are playing with this design.

One of the first Toi et Moi rings mentioned in jewelry history is that of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1796, Napoleon was a revolutionary soldier in the French army. Napoleon offered to his first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais a gorgeous Toi et Moi ring. At the time, Josephine was 6 years older than him, with 2 children from a previous marriage. Napoleon’s family was none too pleased about this union, but nothing could stop the two lovebirds. The Toi et Moi ring was made in gold, with a delicate band holding a pear shaped sapphire and an antique pear shaped diamond. Each weigh just under 1-carat. Though they divorced in 1810, this ring is still a strong symbol of romance and love. In 2013, the ring sold for just under $1 million at Osenat, a French auction house! 

In the history of the United Kingdom and the British Empire, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. 

Measurements: Face of ring 11.00 mm x 5.00 mm 

Stone Size: Diamond (Old Mine Cut ) .12 carat       Emerald .22 carat 

Weight: 2.75 grams 

Ring Size: 8 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1900