Shiny silver foil was laid behind each of these stones to illuminate them. Take care (no water!) and they'll glow for centuries to come. Foiling was an impressive, fussy Georgian technique to make the most of precious gems before the 20th century development of high-wattage brilliant cuts, which changed the game. Rose cut diamonds, rubies, and a verdant emerald are set into an 18k mount. c. 1800.
MATERIALS: 18k mounting (tests), 10k shank (tests), 2 2.2mm rose cut diamonds, 2 4.2mm rose cut diamonds, 2 3mm rubies, 5mm x 4.2mm emerald
AGE: c. 1800
CONDITION: Very good - shank was replaced at some point in time; some oxidation to the foil backing the diamonds
SIZE: 8.5, can be resized; 6.3mm head, 1.7mm shank