Antique, Victorian, 18ct Gold Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring

This is a really wonderful Victorian, antique 'cat's-eye' chrysoberyl and diamond cluster ring.

It features a central claw-set, round chrysoberyl cabochon surrounded by 15 very lively rose cut diamonds of approximately 0.02ct each, which sit atop a beautifully decorated gallery. When these hand cut diamonds catch the light, they sparkle magnificently.

The chrysoberyl itself is a great size, and in extremely good condition, with only minor signs of wear that one would expect from a ring of 100+ years old! Under the light, it shows off its wonderful chatoyancy (cat's eye) and has a slight change in colour from a milky grey'green to a more yellow/green under different light intensities.

This antique ring sits comfortably on the finger, making it practical and a suitable ring for daily wear. It us currently a UK size U (US size 10) but it could be re-sized and made smaller.

The name chrysoberyl is derived from Ancient Greek and is translated as ‘gold beryl'.) This beautiful and unusual gem is extremely valuable due to its rarity, and its chatoyance. With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, it is also one of the hardest and most durable gemstones. Chrysoberyl is known as a stone of good fortune that brings happiness and the power to protect against evil. (Some arabs belived that the stone made one invisible on the battlefield!)

This is one of the most stunning antique rings i have ever come across; unusual, beautiful and eye catching. It would make a remarkable engagement ring, and a fabulous statement ring.