A LATE VICTORIAN DEMANTOID GARNET AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING, CIRCA 1880, RUSSIAN

The central oval-shaped demantoid garnet weighing approximately 2.20cts, within a surround of old brilliant-cut...

A LATE VICTORIAN DEMANTOID GARNET AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING, CIRCA 1880, RUSSIAN

The central oval-shaped demantoid garnet weighing approximately 2.20cts, within a surround of old brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in silver and 14K gold gold, Russian assay marks, ring size L

Accompanied by a report from Allied Gem Appraisers Ltd in Chicago, stating that the demantoid garnet is weighing approximately 2.20cts, colour is unenhanced and containing 'horsetail' inclusions. Dated February 8th 2013

 

The demantoid is a rare and highly valuable garnet. When it was first encountered in the 1850s, in the Ural Mountains of Russia, it was mistaken for a peridot due to its rich green hue. Later however, a Finnish mineralogist named Nils von Nordensheld recognised it as an entirely new mineral. Speaking before the St. Petersburg Mineralogical Society in February 1864, he pronounced it to be a garnet of the andradite variety. It was named demantoid (diamond-like) because of its remarkable similarities to the diamond, making it an extremely attractive and collectable gemstone.

The demantoid garnet was frequently incorporated into designs by the Russian jeweller, Peter Carl Fabergé, as well as Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces by Tiffany and Co.

 

 

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