Composition
Mount Details
- ConstructionHandmade, with polished finish
- DesignFive-stone cat's eye chrysoberyl and diamond half hoop.
- Metal Purity18ct gold, tested using electrochemical testing equipment
- Markings/Hallmarks18ct stamp present. Not hallmarked by an assay office. Under the UK Hallmarking Act 1973, many antique and vintage pieces are legally exempt from hallmarking requirements. This piece has been assessed and is consistent with the period and metal type indicated.
- Inscriptions"GSI to MBH 4/2/61", this appears to be a later inscription, possibly dating to 1961.
- Gross WeightApproximately 2.72g
- Curated FromScotland
Gemstone Details
Total Diamond Carat Weight: approximately 0.32ct (three stones combined). Chrysoberyl weight separately provided; dimensions given below.
Measurements and grading are approximate and represent the average of all gemstones in each section, unless actual measurements are noted.
Diamond Screening: All diamonds have been screened and are confirmed to be of natural origin.
Diamond (centre)
- Quantity & Cut1, Old cut
- WeightApproximately 0.20ct
- DimensionsApproximate length - 4.12mm, width - 3.75mm, depth - 1.89mm
- GradeColour H, Clarity VS1
Diamond (outer pair)
- Quantity & Cut2, Old cut
- WeightApproximately 0.06ct each, 0.12ct total
- DimensionsApproximate length - 2.4mm, width - 2.3mm, depth - 1.42mm
- GradeColour G, Clarity VS2 (average across both stones)
Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl (Cymophane)
- Quantity & Cut2, cabochon
- WeightApproximately 0.41ct each, 0.82ct total
- PhenomenonStrong chatoyancy, well defined centred streak
- DimensionsApproximately 5.92mm length x 3.60mm width x 1.90mm depth
Condition
Grade: Very Good. The diamonds remain crisp and bright, and the chrysoberyl cabochons show no significant abrasion to their surface or the surrounding mount. The gold carries a soft, even patina consistent with its years of wear.
The ring's centre stone is a later replacement. The original stone was lost at some point in the piece's history; our jeweller has since fitted a period-appropriate old cut diamond, hand-fabricating new prongs matched to the ring's original design to secure it going forward. All settings, original and replaced, are currently secure.
Keeper's Guide to Care
Everyday Wear with Care
Gemstone Hardness: Cat's eye chrysoberyl, Mohs 8.5, a hard and durable stone, close behind sapphire and ruby, though its internal structure of fine parallel inclusions (the very feature responsible for its chatoyancy) makes it wise to treat it gently around heat.
Both stones set into this ring may be cleaned with lukewarm, mild soapy water and a very soft toothbrush to clear away everyday dust. We would not recommend an ultrasonic cleaner or any exposure to sudden heat for this piece. Beyond the antique setting and hand-pierced gallery, which are best protected with a gentle hand-wash regardless, the chrysoberyls' internal structure is best kept away from hot water, steam, or rapid temperature change.
An annual professional check-up is recommended for every piece in the Archive, and is especially worthwhile here: it allows a trusted jeweller to confirm that all prongs, including those recently replaced, remain secure, and that the century-old settings holding the original stones show no signs of new wear.
Keeper's Guide to Care
Everyday Wear with Care
Gemstone Hardness: Cat's eye chrysoberyl, Mohs 8.5, a hard and durable stone, close behind sapphire and ruby, though its internal structure of fine parallel inclusions (the very feature responsible for its chatoyancy) makes it wise to treat it gently around heat.
Both stones set into this ring may be cleaned with lukewarm, mild soapy water and a very soft toothbrush to clear away everyday dust. We would not recommend an ultrasonic cleaner or any exposure to sudden heat for this piece. Beyond the antique setting and hand-pierced gallery, which are best protected with a gentle hand-wash regardless, the chrysoberyls' internal structure is best kept away from hot water, steam, or rapid temperature change.
An annual professional check-up is recommended for every piece in the Archive, and is especially worthwhile here: it allows a trusted jeweller to confirm that all prongs, including those recently replaced, remain secure, and that the century-old settings holding the original stones show no signs of new wear.
