Victorian Elegance: The 1880 Opal and Diamond Ring Masterpiece

This 18K yellow gold Victorian ring from 1880 is a testament to the era's grandeur, featuring a captivating navette-shaped cabochon opal of approximately 4.50 carats at its heart. Its opulence is further elevated by the encircling 32 old brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum, each radiating a unique brilliance. Reminiscent of the Grand Victorian Period, this piece not only exemplifies the lavishness of the time but also embodies a sense of timeless romance and elegance. In excellent condition, it represents a harmonious blend of history, artistry, and emotion, appealing to both the heart and the mind.

Antique jewelry object group: ring

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
  -  See also: Victorian or more info on styles

Style specifics: The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837 - 1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period.

This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period.

Period: ca. 1880
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Material: platinum and 18K yellow gold
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Diamonds: 32 old brilliant cut diamonds with a total estimated weight of approx. 1.92 crt. (approximate color and clarity H/I, si/i)
Note: All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Total diamond weight: approx. 1.92 crt.

Precious stones: One large navette shaped cabochon opal with an estimated weight of approximately 4.50 crt
  -  (more info on precious stones)

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and opal for October.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: No trace.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: top of ring 1,27 cm (0,50 inch) x 3,44 cm (1,35 inch)

Weight: 7,90 gram (5,08 dwt)

Ring size Continental: 55 & 17½ , Size US 7¼ , Size UK: O

Resizing: Free resizing, but because of the the way the ring is made, we cannot guarantee to make it on every size; so please ask in advance (only for extreme resizing we have to charge).
  -  (more info on ring sizes)

Reference Nº: 16054-0031

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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Jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
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August - September - October - November or December.


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