Recently Sold (VICR149)

An '1867' Treasure - Victorian 18k Gold Opal & Diamond Ring. This exquisite ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold, hallmarked '18' for 18K, Birmingham, and a letter date 'S' for 1867. Featuring a natural oval cut cabochon opal, 6 natural antique cut round diamonds, exquisite detail, and high quality craftsmanship. This superb and top quality Victorian ring is expertly claw-set with a beautiful opal. This emanates a variety of bright vibrant colors under interchangeable light intensities. The opal is flanked by two trefoils of glowing old antique cut diamonds. All of the gemstones are in pristine condition and exposed to the rings reverse side, to allow the light to shine through and make them glow, also for easy cleaning access. The shank is tapered with decorative carvings to its apical regions. The mid -lower region of the shank is single grooved, all typical features of mid-Victorian rings. This Victorian era ring is in exceptional condition, with genuine gemstones, no repairs and full authentication for its year of manufacture. A true rarity! 

Comments: Early rings in such pristine condition, and with full crisp hallmarks for authentication are rare. This particular example looks as though it was put in a drawer, and possibly only worn for special occasions. Such a special piece and a great find! 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the antiquity value. It is recommended that this ring be insured for $2000.00 CD (tax Excluded) 

History: Many cultures have credited opal with supernatural origins and powers. Arabic legends say it falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

Opal artefacts several thousands of years old have been discovered in East Africa. As early as 250 BC the Romans prized opals, thought to have come from mines in Eastern Europe, the ancient world's main source of opals. There are many aboriginal dreamtime stories that feature opal.

The Silk Road Diamonds were first discovered in India and have been traded within since as early as 6^th Century BC. Until the discovery of diamonds in 18^th Century Brazil, India was known to be the sole source of diamonds worldwide.

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.

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 the Ring 17.00 mm x 8.00 mm 

Stone Size: Opal .28 carats   Diamonds.15 carats 

Weight: 2.50 grams 

Ring Size: 7

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England, Birmingham 

Date: Letter date 'S' for 1867