Edwardian 18ct Gold Crossover Ring Set With Green Garnets & Diamonds

A pretty ring that was made circa 1900-1910. It has been set with two slanting bands of claw set graduated old mine cut diamonds and green garnets. Although garnets have been known since ancient times, the demantoid variety was not discovered until 1868 in Russia’s western central Ural Mountains. Miners were immediately stunned by the highly refractive nature of the gem material. They began comparing it to diamond and referred to it as “demantoid”, from the French “demant” meaning diamond. The reason is obvious, with its high brilliance and dispersion. These bright apple green stones are comparatively rare and very expensive as they are no longer mined. In the early 1900s they were a celebrated stone and many items of jewellery were set with these beautiful stones.

The diamonds are well matched bright white stones. On either side is an attractive scroll motif.

It sits low on the finger so it would be ideal to wear as an engagement or dress ring.