Victorian Antique 4 Stone Diamond Ring 22k
Antique cluster ring set with 4 diamonds weighing approximately 0.5ctw in 22k.
The four Old European Cut diamonds are fiery, clean, and very white, but this is not always the case for OEC diamonds.
This 4-stone diamond ring is of Straits Chinese origin, set in an East West design that showcases a very distinct look in our colonial jewellery art. The shared prong bezel has a scalloped gallery almost identical to well made Victorian cluster rings.
But unlike Victorian made rings, the diamonds are set using a very traditional Chinese ‘bead’ set technique, which continued in rings from the 19th century right through to the mid 20th century. Such ‘bead’ setting held diamonds as if ‘invisibly’ and only small gold dots can be perceived. Rings set this way do not catch onto fabric and are smooth to touch, but it required much tedium needing skilled craftsmanship around clusters of small diamonds.
These ring is made very well, petite with a big show. More similarities to Victorian rings can be seen in the ring shoulder and shank. Faint Chinese hallmarks remain.
While we see many ethnic influenced Straits Chinese rings, we do not get many opportunities to get these Victorian ‘shadow’ pieces.
This is an exemplar Anglophile jewel to add to a Victorian collection.