Diamond and demantoid garnet marquise cluster ring by William Giffiths & Sons. Set with a central graduated vertical row of seven round old cut diamonds in open back rubover settings, with two further set to the shoulders in grain settings, all nine with a combined approximate weight of 0.40 carats, surrounded by a single row of twenty eight round old cut natural demantoid garnets in open back grain and rubover settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.28 carats, to an openwork marquise cluster design featuring millegrain edging, a pierced gallery and intricate open backholing, the trumpeting shoulders tapering down to a D-shape solid shank. Marked 18 carat yellow gold with platinum settings, maker's mark for William Griffiths & Sons, English, circa 1910.

Demantoid garnets derive their name from the Flemish word ‘demant’ meaning diamond, due to their diamond-like lustre and dispersion. Gem quality demantoid garnets are often small is size but feature a distinct and vivid green colour. First discovered in Russia’s Ural mountains in the mid-19th century, Russia and was the only source until the discovery of the Namibian deposits in the 1990s. The Russian mines are long since depleted and to this day, the finest examples of this gem are found in antique pieces. One of the unique features of demantoid garnets is the presence of characteristic needle-like inclusions known as "horsetails”. A well-defined horsetail inclusion within a stone is highly-prized. Demantoids became a signature gem of the house of Fabergé, and was a favourite gemstone for the decorative designs of the Edwardian and Art Deco eras.

This ring is in good condition.