SALE Belle Epoque Genuine Coral Cabochon Ring - German 8K Gold & 835 Silver & Marcasites

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Edwardian : Art Deco : Ring : Coral : Italian : Sciacca : Marcasites : Gold : Silver

 

Simply the best! Antique jewelry offers Old World elegance, quality and value, in addition to being one of a kind. The hand cut cabochon of this ring is a wonderment, carved to perfection with flawless soft geometric curves. Not an easy task at all!

The inclusion of marcasites in the design lights up your finger with more sparkle than the heavily included diamonds commonly used at the end of the 19th century. Lots of color, glitz and glow for the price. The band itself is yellow gold so it can easily be resized. And, of course, the gently faceted coral speaks for itself, as in "oh my gosh"! And, of course, free shipping, too.

Romance abounds in this large faceted coral cabochon ring, surrounded with shimmering marcasites, set in an ornate yet feminine German silver and yellow gold setting. From the European La Belle Epoque Period (1895-1914), its design captures the very essence of the early 20th century elegance found in jewelry just before the outbreak of World War I, when life would never quite be the same for anyone.

The same time period was referred to as the Edwardian Period in England, and the Gilded Age in the U.S., a time period that also gave birth to the Art Deco Period. Larger than life Art Deco jewelry designs with geometric patterns began appearing in Europe around 1908, but did not take off in full force in the U.S. until around 1920 with the end of World War I, when the entire world was celebrating the renewal of life. Of course, at that time, it was referred to as The Great War....who knew?

This ring features a beautifully shaped, hand carved Italian Sciacca coral cabochon measuring 20x9x4.5mm, with a uniform deep peach to salmon hue. The entire face of this unique and elegant ring measures just over 7/8" by 3/4". The natural cabochon is unique in its long curved trapezoid shape (an emerald cut with smooth faceted sides) and fabulously hand polished to a soft sheen.

The design itself is achieved with a combination of period Silver, 835-900, with a yellow gold band. The band itself electronically tests out at 12K, but there is a partial stamp or hallmark inside the band that could either be "333", the hallmark for 8K gold used in Germany, or "777", for which we know of no significance. For that reason, we are offering this ring as guaranteed at 8K, but most likely 12K, tested. The band itself is very unique. Slim in design at 1mm, with today's standard at 2mm, these slim bands prevented the formation of a unfeminine callous on a gentile woman's soft palm, plus it is very comfortable to wear. The band is very sturdy and not pliable as one might think. The total weight is 6.5 grams and it measures a size 8 1/2 U.S. The gold band can be easily resized.

The silver setting's German design was custom made with the coral cabochon set on a gallery with double prongs at top and bottom. The sparkling stair step effect on each side of the cabochon includes 22 marcasites (eleven on each side) that are melee set with the addition of prongs for security. Germany's silversmiths created, in my opinion, the most innovative and highest quality silver designs in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Not even Italy could rival their work in silver. Overall, a very fine look for a very fine lady of any era with opulent tastes.

There is no damage to the coral cabochon or setting. All of the original 22 marcasites are securely in place. Upon close examination, we can see that the band was resized previously, not an easy task for such a dainty shank. It could be resized slightly up or down. It is a great look worn on the forefinger, easily rivaling a platinum and diamond setting. It is a ring that gets noticed!

Due to the current bans on coral harvesting, 20mm coral cabochons are a rarity in newly designed rings, therefore the extremely high prices being asked for new rings today!

Marcasite jewelry was adored by Georgian and Victorian women, as torch and gas lighting made them absolutely glow! Most old antique European and mine cut diamonds, due to their dark color and inclusions, do not rival the sparkle of marcasites. Marcasites absolutely light up any piece of jewelry day or night. This ring is a great look for cocktail/evening wear or casual every day wear. Fabulous jewelry is NOT just for special nights out! However, the original owner of this ring obviously took very special care and did not wear it often, as it's condition is perfect with no missing marcasites. Its age, rarity and beauty make it a spectacular museum quality find.

Silver was the only white metal alternative to platinum until the invention of white gold in the late 1910's. A U.S. invention as an alternative for platinum needed for the war effort, white gold was still not used much in Europe until after World War II, but never to the extent found in the U.S. The original "white gold" recipe included the use of nickel, which causes early white gold not properly cared for to become brittle. Palladium is used as a replacement for nickel today in most fine white gold jewelry.

We guarantee all of our coral jewelry to be the finest quality Mediterranean coral unless otherwise stated. Do not be fooled by Tibetan, South Sea, or other lower grades of coral. Coral, like all gemstones, comes in many different qualities and this item is the real thing, guaranteed!

When the gift has to be absolutely perfect, give a present from the past!! One of a kind jewelry is a special gift that can't be matched! Delivered in a lovely presentation box, ready for gift giving. Overnight delivery available to the USA upon request. Always free shipping in the USA with a no hassle return policy.

We want our customers to love our pieces as much as we do. If for ANY reason you do not, we are happy to refund your purchase price and the return shipping. And none of those ridiculous restocking fees at Cameo Couture. NEVER will be. We pledge and guarantee every item we sell will be loved or totally refunded so you can try whatever appeals to you hassle free.

Item ID: C-1508