DATE: Edwardian, c.1910

This cool antique French ring is set with a central tourmaline, with a diamond accent at each compass point. Dating to c.1910, the ring is modelled in 18k gold with platinum settings.

Tourmaline has a fascinating history... they are thought to have been first brought to Europe in great numbers from Sri Lanka [Ceylon] by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th Century, mainly for use in jewellery. The stone became known as "Ceylonese Magnet", because of it's ability to attract and then repel hot ashes due to its pyroelectric properties. In the 19th Century, the gemstone was used by chemists to polarize light by shining rays onto a cut facet of the stone. And then later, after deposits were discovered in California in 1892, Tourmaline became known as an American gem.

STONES

Tourmaline and Diamond

MEASUREMENTS

Head: 12.8 x 11.5mm - Width of band: 2.0mm

WEIGHT

2.7g

MARKS

French marks for 18k gold (eagle head)

CONDITION

Very good