A 19th century Russian emerald and diamond ring
£4,000
Auction: 8 June 2016 at 19:00 BST
Description
set with a cushion cut emerald in a slightly raised border of old mine cut diamonds, the gallery with simple pierced detail, on a disc with black enamel border, all on a later shank, apparently unmarked
Dimensions
Ring size: L, estimated emerald weight: 1.42cts
Footnote
By family repute, this ring has been handed down with the story that it originally was a button on Russian Imperial clothing. Although there is no hard evidence, the ring does show some unusual design features that may support this theory. The ring head itself from the black border up is unusually shallow and also the emerald is slightly lower than the border, this could make use as a button easier. This setting has also helped keep the emerald in good condition with only very minor wear.