Is this REALLY an EDWARDIAN Antique Ring? by: Anonymous
Hi Cara,
the number you mention is not a common control mark. It could be anything. A pattern number,etc.
At least get an unconditional guarantee from the seller that if the ring is not as described you can send the ring back for a refund. Then get it checked by a jeweler who specializes in antique jewelry. This is really important if you are new to Antique Jewelry.
As for diamonds there are so many good fakes on the market even an expert has trouble in determining a girls' best friend, let alone if she's Edwardian!
Fay Cullen attributes Edwardian diamond rings as being uniquely constructed in platinum, the master being Louis Cartier who incorporated Indian, Chinese and Arab ideas into his designs. Such exquisite work was mounted in infinite detail with Rose-cut Diamonds, European-cut Diamonds and Old Mine-cut Diamonds incorporated into the extravagant designs. Cartier's work was closely followed by Boucheron, Tiffany, Chaumet and Lacloche borrowing Classical Roman, Ancient Greek, Napoleonic, French Baroque, Rococo and Second Empire styles.
These formal motifs included tassels, garlands of flowers, swags of foliage, ribbon ties, laurel wreaths, scrolls, feathers, Greek keys and bow knots incorporated with detail in platinum diamond and pearl jewelry in exquisite taste....
If you go to Jewelry Resources there is a link to some really good basic info on your guide to buying a diamond that provides a good introduction to diamonds.
