Romantic Proposal - Edwardian English 18K Gold & Platinum 'Old Mine Cut' Diamond Engagement Ring (EDR081)

Romantic Proposal - Edwardian English 18K Gold & Platinum Natural 'Old Mine Cut' Diamond Engagement Ring. This exquisite ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold, and platinum, hallmarked 18CT. The ring features one natural 'Old European Cut' diamond, 6 natural 'Old Mine Cut' smaller diamonds, Edwardian era  styling and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring is expertly bezel and claw-set with a beautiful glowing hand-cut diamond. The shoulders are tapered, crafted in platinum and adorned by 3 glowing diamonds on each side. The shoulders exhibit exquisite delicate milgrain decoration, which is crafted in platinum. The ring is delicate, however it is substantial and solid for daily wear. The profile of the ring showcases a beautiful coronet setting, and cathedral shoulders, which gives the ring a lower sitting profile. The shank is polished and smooth, which allows for a comfortable fit and easy sizing. This wonderful ring would make a very special engagement ring, gift, or addition to any fine jewelry collection. 

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! 

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.

Although the origin of white color gold dates back to 1710, where it was discovered by two alchemists in Germany, it wasn't used widely until much later. White gold as we know it today was really popularised in the 1920s. Although it might seem strange, this luxury material came to popularity in wartime.

The name is derived from the Spanish platina, meaning "silver." Platinum was discovered in South America independently by Antonio de Ulloa in 1735 and by N. Wood in 1741, but it had been in use by pre-Columbians. 

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: 18.00 mm x 6.00 mm 

Stone Size: Diamond .37 carats   

Weight: 2.49 grams 

Ring Size: 7 1/2

Condition: Excellent   

Origin: England.  Provenance: Australia 

Date: Circa 1910