A beautiful Victorian red paste and pearl ring.
 
This fabulous ring has 3 cushion shaped red (ruby/garnet) paste stones set with seed pearls in a classic Victorian design. 
 
The ring has a beautiful scrollwork design to the bezel and a fine setting edge and is in wonderful condition. The shoulders are engraved and lead to a slightly tapered band which is also engraved (the engraving is slightly worn to the reverse consistent with the age of the piece).  The ring is low set to the hand.
 
During the Georgian (& Victorian) eras, paste 'stones' were widely used in pieces to imitate more expensive gemstones. The paste was made of high-lead-content glass which was highly polished to give the illusion of almost any gemstone. The word 'paste' derives from the process of mixing the components of the mixture wet to ensure a thorough and even distribution of colour. Pastes are softer than ordinary glass but have a higher index of refraction and dispersion that give them great brilliancy and fire.
 
This type of ring is not really suitable for heavy wear as the paste and pearls can be prone to damage if rubbed or knocked.
 
Era: Victorian 1839 - 1901
Measurements: head of ring 7.2mm diameter
Ring Size: P (UK) 8 (US) 57 (EUR) This ring can be resized by our goldsmith but with limitations due to the design
Hallmarks: Hallamrked Birmingham, 1872, 15ct 625, rubbed makers mark.