1920's 17ct Blue Spinel & Snake Cocktail Ring

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1920's 17ct Blue Spinel & Snake Cocktail Ring

$900.00

Description

DATE: Art Deco, c.1920

A magnificent antique cocktail ring, the main event being a 17 carat blue spinel. It displays a gorgeous blue water-like colour, vibrancy, and it's held in place with claw settings. The gallery is open worked, decorated with snake motifs in the shape of hearts, allowing the light to shine through the stone, and also symbolising eternity. It dates from the 1920's, and is crafted in 9k yellow gold throughout. Definitely a statement piece, rising 1.2cm off the finger. This spinel gemstone can resemble aquamarine in terms of colour, however this gem is much rarer than aqua!

Spinel is a little known and hugely under-appreciated gemstone. It comes in a range of colours, from deep purples and blues to bright reds and hot pinks. Indeed, for thousands of years, spinels were often mistaken and mis-sold as sapphires and rubies, before a technique was eventually determined to tell the gems apart in the 18th century. The stone known as the "Black Prince's Ruby" is perhaps the most famous example of spinel-mistaken-for-ruby. It's an impressive 170 carat vibrant crimson gem, the largest uncut spinel in the world, and one of the oldest set in England's Imperial State Crown (that's the one worn at coronations, and at state openings of parliament - currently on display in the Tower of London) with a history stretching back to the 14th century.

STONES

17ct Blue Spinel

MEASUREMENTS

Head: 2.3 x 2.2cm

Rise off finger: 1.2cm

Width of band: 1.9mm

WEIGHT

9.14g

MARKS

Stamped 9ct

CONDITION

Excellent