Queen of Hearts : Vintage Ruby Ring with Diamond Halo in 18ct White Gold circa 1960

The hero of this piece is the deeply delicious oval cut pinkish red natural ruby. Measuring at 1 carat there’s more than enough of that divine colour to get absolutely lost in. The sprinkling of small single cut diamonds in the halo adds just a touch of sparkle to this glamorous vintage ring. There is a fourteenth century treatise, attributed to Sir John Mandeville, in which the owner of a perfect ruby is assured of a peaceful life: “Neither his lands, nor his possessions, nor his rank, nor his personal property, will ever be in peril, and the stone will guard his house, his fruit trees and his vineyards from tempestuous storms.” The ruby has always been held to be a strong and virile power for good, a ward against evil and sickness, some myths even imbue it with the power to restore youth! No small wonder then, that the ruby has long been heralded as the King of Gems. More rare than diamonds by far. This ruby and diamond ring dates to the mid to late 20th Century, circa 1960. It is well made and suitable to be worn as an everyday or engagement ring. This ring is accompanied by a recent retail replacement valuation of $5085 Australian dollars by an accredited NCJV registered valuer. Manufacture:  Modelled in 18ct white gold, hallmarked 18ct to the inside of the band. The central ruby has been verified by an independent gemologist as a natural ruby, likely of Thai origin. It is eye clean and has a bright purplish pink mid red colour. It measures 7.7mm x 5.11mm x 2.9mm – approximately 1 carat. It is multi-claw set into the ring. The twelve diamonds in the halo have also been verified as natural earth mined diamonds, each one single cut with a diameter of 1.25mm and graded as F-H in colour, Vs1 – Si clarity. The total combined carat weight is approximately 0.12 carats. Each diamond is rubbed in set into the scalloped edge of the ring. The face of the ring measures 8.62mm x 10.63mm. Sits 5.76mm high on the finger. Weighs 3.12 grams. Size:  (Aus / UK) O1/2 (USA) 7.5 (International) 55.5 Fully resizable. Please get in touch for a quote on resizing to your requirements. Condition:  Very good vintage condition. The only item to note is cosmetic only – there is some rubbing to the outer edges of the diamond settings, which is commensurate with age. Ready for immediate and everyday wear. As with all vintage stone set rings, please do wear with care.