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Old European Cut Blue Topaz in Later White Gold Ring browse these categories for related items... All Items: Estate Jewelry: Gold: Period: Pre 1920: item # 623374 GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear 56 Calle Monte Aplanado, NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone: 505.205.1404 Guest Book $345 SALE (Reduced from $385) Free U.S. Priority Shipping & Gift-Wrap if Desired |
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Here's the perfect blue topaz ring for you, if you love the early stones -- mined and cut before introduction of treatments that turn them clownishly vivid, almost turquoise. Because of its subtle water-like hue, this could easily be mistaken for a much more valuable aquamarine. It measures about 10-11 mm by 7-8 mm, so the carat weight is around 3.5. The gem is of oval shape, but its cut isn't our modern oval. Instead, the shield-shaped table is larger and surrounded by star cuts both on the top and bottom. These make the edges sparkle with stars atop stars. This is a variant of the Old European Cut or Early Brilliant Cut, more typically seen on round stones of the Victorian era. I understand it had an undistinguished mount of low-carat yellow gold, when the previous owner purchased it at an antiques sale in England. Around 15 years ago, she had it replaced by this sleek white gold solitaire setting, which shows the stone off beautifully. I can't find a mark on the gold, but it must be at least 14k. The mount still looks new and the stone is also in lovely conditon. Under high magnification, of course you can see age-related wear, but it's minor. Topaz is a hard gem (8 on the Mohrs scale), so it holds it up well. That's probably why the ancient Greeks wore it for strength and as an amulet against harm. Similarly, the Romans thought it could break spells, detect poisons and calm fury. In later Christian belief, blue topaz was linked to uprightness. Current size of the ring is about a U.S. 4 - 4.25, easily changed by any jeweler since the shank isn't decorated. Needless to say, this is NOT "London Blue Topaz," which isn't a natural gem. That (like "Sky Blue" and "Swiss Blue") are just trade names indicating the amount of color given artifically to more common white topaz. The treatment, BTW, is irradiation and many people believe valid health concerns are associated with wearing these. For that reason, we never offer the newer ones. There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking! |
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