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Art Deco platinum 18k red spinel & diamond ring.  This exquisite ring is crafted from platinum and 18k solid gold, hallmarked PLAT for platinum and 18 CT , a british hallmark for 18k.  Featuring a genuine red spinel,  genuine diamonds, and high quality workmanship. The top of the ring displays a platinum medallion with delicate detailing and milgrain work, featuring an expertly set stunning vibrant faceted red spinel, deep red in colour with pink hues.  The red spinel is flanked by two genuine natural rose-cut diamonds.  The shank of the ring is dainty, however sturdy with all of it's original hallmarks.  The ring presents itself ad delicate and feminine, truly an Art Deco piece to be treasured and enjoyed for many years to come. 

Note: The Black Prince Ruby was thought to be a ruby, however it was found out to be a red spinel. It is a large , irregular red spinel weighing 170 carats set in the cross pattee above the Cullinan II at the front of the imperial crown. The spinel is one of the oldest parts of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, with a history dating back to the middle of the 14th century. It has been in the possession of England's rulers since it was given in 1367 to its namesake, Edward of Woodstock ( the"Black Prince"). In 1820, the gemstone was valued at 10,000 GBP ( equivalent to 720 885 as of 2015)

All red gemstones used to be referred to as rubies or "balas rubies". It wasn't until 1883 that spinels were differentiated from rubies.  The two gemstones can be distinguished on the basis of their chemical properties: red spinel is a compound of magnesia, iron and chromium, while a ruby is a type of aluminum oxide. 

Henry VIII's inventory of 1521 mentions "a great balas ruby" set in the crown Tudor Crown, thought to be the Black Prince Ruby. It remains there until the time of Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century. With the exception of the Coronation Chair and several other items. Cromwell had the principle symbols of the kings power- the crown jewels-disassembled and sold, and the gold was melted down and made into coins.  What happened to the Black Princes Ruby , then valued at 4 GBP (equivalent to 481 GBP as of 2015), during the Commonwealth of England is not clear, but it came back into possession of Charles II when the monarchy was restored in 1660.  At the coronation of Queen of Victoria in 1838, she was crowned with a new Imperial State Crown made for her by Rundell and Bridge, with 3,093 gems, including the spinel at the front. This was remade in 1937 into the current, lighter, crown. A small plaque on the reverse of the gemstone commemorates the crown's history. 

Measurements: Face of ring 12mm x 7mm 

Stone Size: Red Spinel .30 carat  Diamond .06 ctw 

Weight: 1.6 grams 

Ring Size: 7 1/4 

Origin: England 

Condition: Excellent

Date: 1920s