Lot 108
A Belle Epoque ruby and diamond cluster ring
£1,300
Auction: 30 November 2010 at 11:00 GMT
Description
the front designed as a witch's heart, claw set to the centre with an oval cut ruby, of a strong pinkish red hue, within two millegrained borders set with old European cut diamonds, flanked to either shoulder by a similarly cut diamond, the two-coloured shank with central ropetwisted border
Dimensions
Length of central cluster 1.7cm, estimated ruby weight 1.15cts
Footnote
A witch's heart has a tail which twists to one side (almost always the right side). The shape has been in use since the 15th century and gained popularity in Scotland in the 17th century. Tokens of this form were believed to ward off evil spirits and protect loved ones and so were often pinned to a baby's blanket. By the 18th century, they were more commonly given to a loved one as proof of being 'bewitched' by them. The combination of setting both rubies and diamonds in this ring is also significant. Rubies are widely considered to represent passion, meanwhile the outstanding durability of diamonds is associated with enduring love.
