A truly wonderful example of antique paste at its best!
This is beautiful paste and seed pearl dress ring, set in 15ct yellow gold and dating from the late Victorian era.
Centre stage takes a vivid pink ruby red paste, lively and well saturated with a further two emerald green paste stones on either side and six seed pearls scattered across the setting. A wonderful combination of bright colours, all stones are original, in good antique condition with a few minor nibbles, in keeping with general age and wear. The cushion cut ruby paste is a lovely large stone, measuring 5.3 x 5.7mm and the whole setting across is 8.3 x 17.5mm. With a beautifully engraved shank and ornate sides, the band is fully hallmarked for 15ct gold.
Size: N.5/US7 (non resizable)
Fully hallmarked, Birmingham Assay, 15ct, 1876
Weighs 2.2g
Antique paste is hand cut, high density polished glass that imitates real gemstones. It was a popular and affordable alternative to natural diamonds and coloured stones during the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and early Art Deco eras. Paste jewellery became very appealing as it was almost impossible to tell the difference from the real thing, allowing more people to enjoy the dazzling look for less bucks!
