Big blood-red garnet orbs were popular in jewelry in the 19th century. But this is a new one for us: how did the jeweler set a line of diamonds into the garnet? Did they use two quarter-spheres? Did they drill carefully into it? The work is so fine that we can't tell. The effect is luxurious, delicious.
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), 8.8mm garnet cabochon, 9 1.5mm rose cut diamonds
AGE: c. 1860
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 5.5, can be resized; 10.7mm head, 1.4mm shank, 6.5mm rise off the finger