Late Victorian Chrysoprase Ring
Chrysoprase, or simply Prase, is a variety of polycrystalline quartz coloured by nickel, giving it an enchanting green hue. Admired by the ancients, the stone is associated with the Roman goddess Venus, said to bring good health and harmonious longevity to marriages, and during the Middle Ages its powers were re-charged under the light of a half moon.
It's also said that Alexander "The Great" III of Macedon wore a girdle set with chrysoprase into battle. On his return from India, while crossing the Euphrates, the stone was lost - bitten off by a serpent - and Alexander never won a battle again.
By the 1800s, the mythos around the stone had grown more specific, with the widespread belief that if a thief were to hold a piece of chrysoprase on their person at the gallows, the hanging (or beheading) would be survived...
This ring is set with a large chrysoprase cabochon mounted in a simple bezel setting and flat band. It dates from the late Victorian period, circa 1900, built in 9ct gold throughout.
Era: Late Victorian, circa 1900
Head size: 20.1mm by 14.9mm
Ring size: P 1/2 or 8 US. Resizable for £35
Stone: Chrysoprase (or agate/polycrystalline-quartz)
Marks: None, tested as 9ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition with fine 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)
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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.
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alex@lostowl.jewelry