Victorian amethyst and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with one cushion shape old cutnatural amethyst in an open backrubover setting with an approximate weight of 8.00 carats, further set with thirty two round old cut diamonds in open back grain and cut-down settings with an approximate combined weight of 1.30 carats, decorated further with twelve round rose cut diamonds in open back grain and rubover settings with a combined weight of 0.12 carats. The total approximate diamond weight is 1.42 carats, all to an elegant coronet cluster design featuring polished borders, an ornately carved gallery with foliate motifs and fancy open backholing, leading to tri-split shoulders flowing through to a slim shank. Testedsilver and yellow gold, circa 1870.
Rings are one of the most powerful and evocative pieces of jewellery. In its most rudimentary form, a ring is a simple band, composed of any material from bone, wood, glass to precious metal, which encircles the finger.
Rings are worn not just for personal adornment and displaying wealth and status, but also for a number of symbolic reasons including a statement of love, religious and superstitious belief, providing proof of identity and also marking births and deaths.
Finger rings trace their origin back the ancient world and each civilisation created specific styles which incorporated motifs and designs particular to their cultural identity. For example the ancient Egyptians wore signet rings often in the form of a scarab beetle or the sun which were motifs important to their society; also rough gemstones such as rock crystal and amethyst were carved and pierced through with gold wire and rotated around a hoop.
Rings are often seen as a symbol of love, with the never-ending circle denoting the infinity of sentiment. This concept was first invented by the ancient Greeks; it was however during the Roman period, that rings were formally introduced as part of the marriage ceremony.
Berganza’s collection of ancient, antique and vintage rings encompass a profusion of varied designs, from complicated ornate rings through to simple dainty rings, every single one unique and hand crafted.
Victorian amethyst and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1870.
Victorian amethyst and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with one cushion shape old cut natural amethyst in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 8.00 carats, further set with thirty two round old cut diamonds in open back grain and cut-down settings with an approximate combined weight of 1.30 carats, decorated further with twelve round rose cut diamonds in open back grain and rubover settings with a combined weight of 0.12 carats. The total approximate diamond weight is 1.42 carats, all to an elegant coronet cluster design featuring polished borders, an ornately carved gallery with foliate motifs and fancy open backholing, leading to tri-split shoulders flowing through to a slim shank. Tested silver and yellow gold, circa 1870.