Earth & Sea - Estate 24K Gold Plate Sterling Silver Natural Amethyst & Pearl Ring (ER418)

Earth & Sea - Estate 24K Gold Plate Over Sterling Silver Natural Amethyst & Pearl Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted from 24K yellow gold over sterling silver, hallmarked SS 925. The ring features one natural oval faceted amethyst, two genuine pearls, Victorian Revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring showcases an expertly claw-set purple amethyst displaying Pinkish/lavender hues. The vibrant amethyst is adorned with two white pearls, which add character and beauty to the piece. The ring exhibits a beautiful rich 24K gold colour, and is substantial and solid. The shank is polished and smooth, which allows for a comfortable fit. This eye-catching estate ring would make a perfect addition to any jewelry collection. 

History: Ancient Greeks and Romans believed this gemstone could ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus and keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. English regalia were decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst jewelry has been found and dated as early as 2000 BC.

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.

The first evidence of silver mining dates back to 3000 B.C., in Turkey and Greece, according to the RSC. Ancient people even figured out how to refine silver. They heated the silver ore and blew air over it, a process called cupellation.

The sterling alloy originated in continental Europe and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany. A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx until it was deposited at the Royal Mint in 1843.

Luigi Brunatelli, an Italian chemist, is most widely credited for inventing electroplating. Brugnatelli published his findings on the use of Volta piles to deposit a layer of gold onto a metallic surface in 1805.

Measurements: Face of the Ring 17.00 mm x 17.00 mm 

Stone Size: Amethyst 1.75 carats    Pearl 3.00 mm 

Weight: 3.40 grams 

Ring Size: 7 1/4

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: 21st Century