Old Cut White Sapphire in Handmade Setting, 9ct Old Rosey Gold, size N1/2 or 7, 1.19g

No matter how often we see an old cut stone we are still as captivated as the first time we laid eyes on them. Those hand cut facets, the high profile of the crown (top) of the stone, the open culets, the unique personality that each one has. This white sapphire is so fabulous in the way it glistens in the light and in the shade it gleams - in a way that seems to draw the light. From the top it is a checkerboard of whites and greys that make the camera lens struggle to capture it, but turn it to the edge and there are pockets you can gaze into the sapphire itself.

Held in four double corner claws in a raised octagonal setting of 9ct white (or maybe platinum -but there are no hallmarks for PLAT). We love this delicate addition of the white metal to add to the sparkle. Set on knife edge shoulders the dainty band is a fabulous old rosey gold - which also makes us weak at the knees. The hallmarks confirm it is 9ct gold, but also suggest that it might be early Australian by WF Cole. There is the 9.375 that we associate with the UK, and then a very worn anvil - which was Cole's mark. Perhaps this was an early piece with the crossover of hallmarks that were seen in the early days. 

Now that stone - you would think being an old cut and likely early Australian we would be able to know about that stone - but believe it or not white sapphires were synthesised in 1902 and used in jewellery relatively soon afterwards. This means this is either an early example of this technique or a natural stone. Either way we love the history of these stones and the cuts at this time period and how short a period of time they crossed for. 

Our gemologist is a little busy at the moment so should this beauty hang around we will get a definitive answer in a few months. 

Particulars: 

Size N1/2 or 7 (sizeable)

Weight 1.19g 

Width 5.65 x 5.65mm x 4.4mm proud on a reverse tapered shank of 1.15 x 0.95mm

Old cut sapphire 4.5mm round - approx 0.55ct 

Hallmarks  very worn "9.375" also looks like the Anvil of WF Cole - which would make it an early piece of his given the UK used 9.375 hybrid hallmark

Condition - facet wear to top of stone as expected with a piece of this age, claws and setting still good and proud. Band was delicately made. 

Care - As a general rule - jewellery should not be worn for strenuous tasks that may put pressure, chemicals and weight on them (think cleaning, gym, swimming/spa, carrying things). Jewellery should be inspected checked every six months by a jeweller to check for wear.

Please be aware that this item is pre-loved and therefore is NOT new. Please see the pictures and description to ensure you are happy with it before you buy. Stones may have tiny marks, chips or flea bites, metal will have marks of wear like surface scratches; but any bigger flaws will be clearly highlighted above. Also note - none of the other items or props in the photo come with the item and all measurements are approximate.

All full priced items are available on lay-by, sale items can be bought on a split payment.