Antique 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring with .80 ct Old Mine Cut Natural Diamond Size 5.25 HVS2

Stunning, antique, solid 18k Yellow Gold solitaire ring with a beautiful Old Miners-cut approximately .80-carat H-color and VS2-clarity natural Diamond set in an 8-prong 18k White Gold head. The maker's mark and European stamps are fading, while the '18ct' and '750' purity stamps are still clearly readable. This wonderful size 5.25 early 1900s ring is in excellent condition, especially for its age, and weighs approximately 3.24 grams. The beautiful hand-engraved detailing is still clearly visible on both sides of the band, as well as both shoulders. The top of the Diamond rises to 6.4 mm above the finger, and the bottom of the band is approximately 2.15 mm wide.

Mine-cut Diamonds, prevalent from the 18th to late 19th centuries, are characterized by their handcrafted nature, often resulting in a soft cushion or squarish outline, a high crown, small table, deep pavilion, and a distinctive large, often visible culet. They were designed to sparkle under candlelight, exhibiting a softer, more romantic glow with broader flashes of light and often warmer color tones. In contrast, modern cuts, particularly the round brilliant, are precisely engineered using advanced technology like lasers and computer-aided design to maximize brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

The Diamond, a true marvel of the mineral kingdom, is renowned for its exceptional brilliance, unparalleled hardness, and timeless beauty. Composed of pure carbon crystallized in an isometric system, its atomic structure grants it a remarkable Mohs hardness of 10, making it the most scratch-resistant natural substance on Earth. This inherent strength, combined with their high refractive index and dispersion, allows Diamonds to capture and scatter light with mesmerizing fire and scintillation, creating their iconic sparkle. Primarily sourced from ancient volcanic pipes called Kimberlites, Diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under immense pressure and heat before being brought to the surface. Beyond their widely recognized use in jewelry, where their resilience symbolizes enduring love and commitment, industrial-grade diamonds are vital for cutting, drilling, grinding, and polishing applications across numerous industries. Available in a spectrum of colors, from colorless to fancy yellows, pinks, blues, and more, each Diamond possesses a unique character, making it a highly coveted and scientifically fascinating gemstone.