In its original box, signed by Gaunt of Melbourne, we have this glorious circa 1900, 2.62ct cushion old cut diamond solitaire set ring in platinum on an 18ct yellow gold band with a saw-pierced foliate gallery.
This is a beauty to behold. This ring sparked an interesting conversation in our store, where we were for a moment lost in the adventures of an 'old world'...
Who was the diamond dealer? Who picked the diamonds up from the mine (most likely from Russia) and how did they travel? Did they keep the diamonds in a briefcase or saddle bag? Did they carry a revolver? How did they fair on the ship over to Melbourne from Europe?
Why did the outback farmer who purchased this ring for his wife, travel to Melbourne? Was there a contract of moving cattle across the land perhaps? How was the ring travelling in secret, before landing on the ring-finger of its wearer? What did she look like? What was she wearing? Did she know gunman-ship being a woman of the land?
Circa: 1900 Period: Edwardian Maker: Gaunt of Melbourne, Australia (accompanied by original ring box) Gemstones: Diamond Cut: Cushion Old Cut Carat: 2.62ct (8.70 x 7.70 x 5.40 mm) Colour: N Clarity: VS2 Gallery: Saw-Pierced Foliate Design Measurements: 1.70 mm band Material: Platinum on 18ct Yellow Gold Ian Abeshouse Valuation
*Free Resizing Available- So that you receive the perfect fit, please let us know your finger size by placing it in the "special instructions" when checking out of the cart (complimentary service we provide, at no additional charge).
Edwardian & Belle Époque Period (1901 - 1910): Named after the reigning King Edward VII and with notable influences from French Rococo décor, this period was the shortest in antique jewellery history. However, it was during this time that platinum was introduced into the art of jewellery making which changed the way diamonds could be set. The popular jewellery design at the time was the “garland” which flowed on from the Art Nouveau period as it focused on nature but more particularly, on flowers and leaves often arranged in some circular shape. Through the use of milgrain and pierced and engraved metals, the Belle Époque designs gave way to jewellery that mimicked the delicate nature of lace and ribbon with natural pearls and old mine cut diamonds being the material of choice.
