This 15k yellow gold band ring is set with four natural seed pearls and a row of small cushion-cut rubies. The hallmarks inside tell us it was created in Birmingham in 1875.
The band has a buttery-yellow colour, which was created by a technique known as 'blooming', in which the jewel was submerged in an acid mixture that burns away the metals in the alloy on the upper surface, which makes it appear to be of pure gold. This look became very popular in the 19th Century after the discovery of high-karat gold jewels in ancient Etruscan and Roman archaeological digs, which created a renewed interest in ancient goldsmithing techniques.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: hits the mandrel at 55 mm but due to its width wears a little smaller, as a US 6.75, UK N, circumference 54 mm.
The front is 6 mm wide (9 mm if you include the pearl settings) and tapers down to 2.5 mm at the back.
This ring could be resized if desired.
Weight: 2.60 grams
Age: Hallmarked for Birmingham, 1875. There is also a worn maker's mark visible, unfortunately I was not able to identify the maker.
Material: Hallmarked for 15k gold (625/1000) gold.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.