Antique Gold Band Ring with Synthetic Corundum, c. 1920

Verneuil's Legacy

Antique Gold Band Ring with Synthetic Corundum, c. 1920

€ 690.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

In 1891, Auguste Verneuil achieved a major breakthrough in the technique of cultivating gemstones, which revolutionized the world of jewelry at the turn of the century: Verneuil's laboratory-developed rubies and sapphires were almost indistinguishable from natural stones in terms of structure and color and became the dernier cri of the fashion world, making jewelry set with large stones more affordable. This antique ring from the early years of the last century also presents us with such a laboratory-grown gemstone, a corundum of pink-red color. An essay by the German mineralogist Dr. Alfred Eppler, who wrote about them in the Deutsche Goldschmiede-Zeitung in 1910, shows just how common they were at the time: "Since science and technology have progressed so far as to produce beautiful artificial rubies, some of which have succeeded so exquisitely that even the most subtle aids of the scholar threaten to fail in distinguishing them from natural ones, why should their possible uses be restricted?" (Alfred Eppler: Synthetische Edelsteine, in: Deutsche Goldschmiede-Zeitung 7 (1910), p. 61f., here p. 62). Nevertheless, a lively debate arose as to whether synthetic stones should always be declared or whether they were not actually equivalent to natural rubies. The main difference, however, even then - as today - was the price. A natural stone of this size would have been presented in a heavy goldsmith's work that could hardly be worn every day, richly set with diamonds - but this stone, which bears witness to the speed of scientific and technical progress in the early 20th century, rests in a classically simple setting on a wide band that still looks modern today. This makes the ring suitable for everyday wear despite its large colored stone.

Size & Details

Verneuil's Legacy

€ 690.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

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You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

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