Verneuil's Legacy

Antique Ring with Synthetic Ruby & Diamonds in Gold & Platinum, c. 1910


€ 890.00 *
Content 1 piece
Incl. VAT, Shipping
Antique Ring with Synthetic Ruby & Diamonds in Gold & Platinum, c. 1910
Antique Ring with Synthetic Ruby & Diamonds in Gold & Platinum, c. 1910
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 cultivation of synthetic gemstones, which revolutionized the world of jewellery at the turn of the century: Verneuil's laboratory-developed rubies and sapphires were almost indistinguishable from natural stones in terms of structure and colour and became the dernier cri of the fashion world, making pieces of jewellery 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 ruby of intense red color. An essay by the German mineralogist Dr. Alfred Eppler, who wrote 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 discussion 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 and color would have been a precious rarity then as it is today. The synthetic stone is hexagonally faceted and occupies the center of the ring face, which is shaped like an elongated diamond. A bed of diamond roses in bright platinum settings allows its impressive color to come into its own. The result is a beautiful piece of jewellery that bears witness to the speed of scientific and technical progress in the early 20th century.
Read more
Size & Details
Antique Ring with Synthetic Ruby & Diamonds in Gold & Platinum, c. 1910
Verneuil's Legacy
€ 890.00 *
Content 1 piece
Incl. VAT, Shipping
Our Promise
Our Promise
Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

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.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

Learn more