An impressive antique ring with eastern European provenance. The centre stone is a captivating pinkish-orange imperial topaz in a mesmerising elongated cushion/oval cut. The peachy orange of the stone looks almost like a padparadscha sapphire when turned in the light, held secure by multiple rose gold claws and surrounded by a chunky halo of antique diamonds. 
 
The diamonds total an estimate 0.56ct in weight and are well matched: bright and sparkly. The antique stones are in good overall condition; two diamonds have small chips to their girdle but otherwise only light surface wear to note when inspected with magnification. 
 
The shank of this ring tells a beautiful story. The exterior has a combination of Russian hallmarks that pre-date 1917, and Polish import marks for second hand goods. To the interior there is scratched “14 szt 0.91ct” and “1.99ct”; we believe these marks to be in relation to the stones set in the ring, the 0.91ct referring to the diamonds and the 1.99ct the centre stone. With our calculations we estimate the stone weights to be below these figures but as we haven’t weighed them out of the setting we cannot say for sure but have decided to go with the lower figure to be cautious.
 
An impressive investment piece with a tonne of history attached, this is one special ring.