Pearl and old brilliant cut diamond ring, circa 1890

Dating from around 1890, this late Victorian ring centres on a pearl encircled by eight old brilliant cut diamonds, together weighing approximately 2.00 ct. The yellow gold top, red gold shank and partly legible 1890 engraving inside the band give the jewel an intriguing history, possibly pointing to a later marriage of elements. With its raised cluster and soft contrast between pearl and diamond, it remains a charming survivor of late nineteenth century sentiment.