An unusual Art Deco spinel & diamond cluster ring.
 
This beautiful ring has a mixed brilliant cut spinel set within a border of 10 small diamonds in a cluster design with stylised trefoil shoulders. The spinel is a strong red/orange in colour.
 
The ring is low set to the hand and has a geometric openwork underbezel. The ring has tapered shoulders onto a plain shank typical of the Art Deco era.
 
Spinel occurs in the same colours as rubies and sapphires and is formed under the same geological conditions. They were recognised as a separate gemstone in the mid 1800's.
 
Spinel was confused with ruby and sapphire for hundreds of years. Several of the most spectacular spinels ever discovered have been mounted in "crown jewels" under the assumption that they were rubies or sapphires. The most famous being the "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown. In India the spinel is revered as the king of gemstones and the most highly prized of all.
 
Era: Art Deco, c. 1925 - 1940
Measurements: Spinel estimated 4.6 carats.
Total diamond weight estimated 0.60 carats.
Head of ring 1.45 cm in length, 2.1 cm at widest point
Ring Size: M 1/2 (UK) 6 3/4 (US) 53 (EUR) This ring can be resized by our goldsmith at no extra cost.
Hallmarks: Unmarked - tests as 18ct white gold and platinum (head),
numbered 5627 to inner shank