Bailey, Banks & Biddle
Antique 0.99ct Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring
An antique emerald, diamond and yellow gold cluster ring by Bailey, Banks & Biddle, circa 1900. The ring is set to the centre with a 0.99ct Colombian emerald showing no indications of oiling, and is surrounded by a cluster of ten old European cut diamonds, all claw set in 18ct yellow gold, to an 18ct yellow gold mount.
£25,000.00
Information
Maker
Bailey, Banks & Biddle
Origin
America
Period
1900-1940
Period
circa 1900
Gemstone
0.99ct Colombian no oil emerald - with AGL certificate
10 x old European cut diamonds, estimated total weight 0.80ct
Setting
18ct yellow gold, signed B B & B and numbered
Dimensions
UK finger size L, US size 5.75 (can be adjusted to any size)
Head length: 12.9mm
Head width: 12.1mm
Weight Description
3.2 grams
REF
129877
Director’s Notes
Historically, the very finest quality emeralds have been found in Colombia, in particular three key mining areas - Muzo, Coscuez and Chivor - which between them have been supplying the world with exceptional gems for many hundreds of years. Stones from these locations are widely regarded to be the most beautiful and intense in colour with a purity of green unmatched by those from any other source. Whilst the earliest record of emerald mining was in Ancient Egypt, indeed Cleopatra loved these gems so much she is reputed to have had her own mine, the beauty of the stones from Colombia could not be rivalled. Since the 16th Century these stones have been widely traded throughout Europe and their superiority in terms of colour and size meant they quickly became the most highly prized emeralds in the world. Mining in these areas continues today and they are still producing exceptional quality gems which are as desirable today as they were to the early Colombians who first discovered them.
