1968 Bernard Instone Cluster Ring
An exquisite vintage cluster ring by Bernard Instone, dating from the 1960s. It's set with a colourful halo of tourmaline gemstones, all different shapes and colours showcasing the various beautiful shades and hues of the stone: bottle green, pinks, deep blue, white, and deep teal. The stones are set in simple bezel mounts that conform to their individual shapes, with just a hint of millegrain around the rim. It's crafted in 18ct gold with asymmetrical split shoulders and English hallmarks from the year 1968.
Bernard Instone was a key figure in the late Arts & Crafts movement. His work is highly regarded, and highly collectable, often inspired by nature incorporating floral or foliate motifs into much of his work. At 12 years old, Instone won a scholarship to study silversmithing at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, Vittoria Street, under the esteemed Arts & Crafts jeweller Arthur Gaskin. He furthered his studies by apprenticing under John Paul Cooper, and Emil Lettre, Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Court goldsmith in Berlin. As well as producing jewellery under his own name, Instone supplied finished pieces to the likes of Sybil Dunlop, Bernard Cuzner, and the Gaskins.
Era: Vintage, 1968
Ring size: P 1/2 or 8 US. Resizable for £35
Head size: 16.9mm by 12.7mm
Stones: Tourmaline
Hallmarks: English, Birmingham, 18ct gold, 1968. BI maker's mark
Condition: Great vintage condition. Light wear consistent with age including some surface scratches to the stone visible under magnification. Excellent gold patina
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of each page.
alex@lostowl.jewelry