1930s Pink Sapphire Signet Ring
Big and bold vintage signet ring set with a hot pink flame-fusion sapphire. It dates from the 1930s, crafted in solid 9 carat gold, and the 10 carat stone displays subtly different colours when viewed in daylight vs electric light.
Flame fusion (VFF) was the first technique (perfected by Auguste Verneuil in the 1880s) that allowed for the creation of sapphires in the laboratory. The stones have an identical mineral make-up to naturally occurring sapphire (corundum, to use the correct mineralogical term): powdered aluminium oxide is passed through a super-hot oxyhydrogen flame, along with colouring metals (in this case vanadium and chromium to give a subtle colour-change effect), fusing them together in the specific crystalline structure of corundum. Over time, Verneuil's technique was honed and refined until precious gemstones of remarkable colour and clarity could be produced for the jewellery industry. Experimentation with different colouring agents eventually led to the discovery that added vanadium would not only give a rich, intense purple colour, but, if paired with chromium, it would allow the creation of colour change stones like this one.
Era: Art Deco, circa 1930
Ring size: R 1/2 or 8.75 US. Resizable for £35
Head: 1.6cm by 1.5cm
Stone: 10.29ct VFF synthetic corundum, aka lab grown sapphire (calculated weight)
Marks: Stamped 9ct
Condition: Great antique condition, light wear consistent with age
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