18K Gold Chester Hallmarked ca 1902 Diamond & Sapphire Ring

As the Chester Assay Office closed in 1962, the collectability of Chester-made jewelry has gone way up.

The face of the ring features a single diamond at the center flanked by two dazzling deep-blue sapphires.

Each of the stones has been placed within a spectacular star-setting.

Each upper shoulder exhibits an elegant, geometric design. You can see the delicate Victorian style giving way to a bolder, heavier Edwardian aesthetic.

There are a number of marks on the ring's interior, the first of which reads "W&HL".

This is followed by the Sovereign's Crown (the mark of the United Kingdom) followed by "18", indicating that the ring is rendered in 18 karat gold. The ring has been professionally gold-tested to ensure its purity.

The mark of Chester (a sword surrounded by three sheaves of wheat) is next followed by the date mark: a capital "B" in flowing script.

This date mark corresponds to 1902, the first full year of King Edward VII's reign.

The ring sits beautifully in its original velvet and silk-lined leather box. There is a red, white and blue grosgrain ribbon tucked in the lid of the box.

Though it is slightly worn. the box remains in otherwise good condition.

The rosy-yellow gold of the ring has seen some darkening over the years and also shows some expected light surface wear here and there.

Overall, the ring is in very good antique condition.

Measurements: Size: 6 ½ Face (shoulder to shoulder): 15mm long, 8mm wide Shoulders: Approx. 5mm wide Lower band: 3mm wide Weight: 3.9 grams Box: 1 1/8" tall, 1 1/8" long, 7/8" wide, 8.1 grams Total weight (ring in box): 12 grams (0.42 oz)

Item ID: 5789