This 19th Century ring was made in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and has been crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and set with diamonds and a central sapphire. The ring features a small gold Austro-Hungarian hallmark helping us date its manufacture to between 1872 and 1921, very likely the early part of the date range. The central oval cut blue sapphire which has some natural inclusions is a Ceylon type stone and weighs 2.60 carat. The sapphire is surrounded by four old European brilliant cut diamonds which are each of I/J colour and P1 clarity totalling 0.40 carat. The shoulders of the ring take the form of two 'caryatid' which are stylised female busts usually seen as supporting features in architecture. The ring has been carefully resized in its lifetime to quite a large size however could be downsized if needed. A rare and unusual survivor from Europe in the late 19th Century.
Ring size - 58/Q
Marked - Austro-Hungarian gold mark for 18 karat purity (1872-1921)
Total diamond weight - 0.40 carat
Total weight of piece - 7.87 grams
Independent appraisal values this piece at $17,746.