Bijou Français - Edwardian French Eagle Head Hallmark 18K Gold Natural Old European Cut & Rose Cut Diamond Ring (EDR100)

Bijou Français- Edwardian French Eagle Head Hallmark 18K Gold Natural Old European Cut & Rose Cut Diamond Ring. This exquisite ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and white gold, tested and confirmed, hallmarked with the original French eagle head hallmark. The ring features one natural Old European Cut diamond, 6 natural Rose Cut diamonds, Edwardian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This wonderful ring is comprised of an expertly claw-set sparkling diamond centre in a buttercup setting, which is flanked by pierce-worked and milgrain decorated shoulders in white gold. The shoulders are adorned by beautiful glowing rose cuts, which add even more sparkle to the piece. The lower portion of the ring, and the band are crafted in a rich buttery yellow gold colour. The shank is smooth, and polished, which allows for a comfortable fit, and easy sizing. This Edwardian era French ring would make a wonderful addition to any antique jewelry collection. 

Comments: Wonderful craftsmanship and detail. Beautiful antique hand-cut diamonds, and a desirable French age head hallmark. This hallmark was used between 1847 and 1919. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of antique Jewelry. This is recommended that this ring be insured for $2000.00 (Tax Excluded) 

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 European Cut, a historic diamond cut, evolved in Europe and gained popularity between 1890 and 1930, serving as a precursor to the modern Round Brilliant cut. It's characterized by its round shape, high crown, and a small table, offering a unique charm due to being hand-cut. This cut was especially popular during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods. 

The rose cut originated in the 1500's and was commonly used through the Georgian and Victorian eras. Like other antique diamond cuts, they were cut by hand and meant to dazzle under candlelight. Their large, wide facets performed exquisitely in low light conditions.

The rose cut is considered to be one of the oldest diamond cuts. Rose cut diamonds gathered popularity from their creation in the 1500s right through to the late 19th Century.

You cannot look at rose cut diamond jewelry factually with a recut formula in mind, its value is object driven. Rose cuts are a greater challenge in estimating weight once they have been mounted (especially if they are closed back). These rose cut diamonds are hand cut, which makes them so special . This is a rare find. 

The rose cut diamond is closed back ( a characteristic of Georgian and early Victorian jewelry). Closed back jewelry should never be immersed in liquid. To clean, wipe the ring gently with a damp (not saturated) cloth with warm water, and pat dry with soft cloth. 

Today, they are seeing a renaissance and are highly sought-after.It can be challenging to find a rose cut that you'll love because they are so rare in the market. - Because the rose cut diamond is cut by hand, there will often be tiny imperfections or asymmetries to the facets.

Many are already aware of history behind the 'ring finger,' and with the romanticism of the 'Rose Cut', the cut became a symbol for love as the ring would be “wrapped around the part of the body that connected directly to the heart”

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), rarity, style, desirability, and sentiment.  

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.

The Edwardian era corresponds to the reign of King Edward VII in Great Britain, whose short-lived governance (1901-1910) followed Victoria's long reign and preceded the modern House of Windsor in England. The "Edwardian" style broadly encompasses the years of 1901 through to 1919.

Measurements: Face of the Ring 16.00 mm  x 8.00 mm 

Stone Size: Diamond (Old European Cut) .10 carats    Rose Cut Diamonds .06    Total Diamond Weight: .16 carats 

Weight: 1.70 grams 

Ring Size: 6 3/4 

Condition: Excellent  

Origin: France 

Date: Circa 1910