Antique Victorian French Navette Ring 18k Gold Rose Diamonds Rubies Silver(7007)

Antique Victorian Napoleon III ring. 18k yellow gold, rubies, diamonds and silver. Made in France 2nd half of the 19th century.

Measurements: Weight is 4.7 grams. Length of bezel is 1 inch (2.9cm). US size 7.5.

Description : Beautifully made and stunning looking. Navette rings are elongated ovals with pointy ends. This is a particularly elegant example with a line of beautiful rubies running down the shank. The stones are of a gorgeous red color - gleaming pink or mysteriously dark maroon, depending on how the light catches them. The stones are graduated with the largest in the center and tapering towards the ends. The rubies are enclosed in a border wall of yellow gold. Somewhat recessed below the level of the gold and rubies, is an outer border of small, rosecut diamonds, set in silver, as was the custom for setting diamonds in the 19th century. Each diamond is held within a tulip-like open pair of arms that form a gallery on the side of the bezel. They are planted on the bottom in a base of gold. The simple gold shank extends laterally from this gold mount. The openwork of the silver holding up the diamonds allows light to enter the ring from the sides, adding to the gleam of the rubies. The entire bezel sits slightly above the level of the finger with the rubies at the highest level and the diamond forming the sides. Classic French workmanship of the highest order, this ring is definately a grade or two above the typical navette rings of the period and looks stunning on the finger. It is perfectly sized to suit wearing with any outfit - makes a subtle statement without being over the top and is also suitable for women of any age.

Marks and Metal: French owl mark for 18k gold and swan mark for 800 silver are on the outside of the shank, which is typically, where the French hallmarked their jewelry.

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. Independent appraisal available to new owner.