Basic, Better, Best – Radiant Rings
Join us in exploring a range of rings which have been sold at The Somerset Auction Rooms. We will be comparing and contrasting these radiant rings in order to decipher which ones have the highest, lowest and medium price tags.
Our expert Jewellery Consultant, Deborah Cole, who has over 20 years of experience as a Gemmologist and Diamond Grader, has provided four items for consideration.
The prices for the items range from a budget friendly £45 to an astonishing £55,000, with the medium range items fetching £4,000 and £7,000.
Are you able to guess which items match up with their prices?
Useful indicators to consider when assessing the items are their age, the type of gold/metal, the shine and size of the stones, and any visible flaws or inclusions. These details can help you understand the quality and value of each ring.
Our expert Jewellery Consultant, Deborah Cole, who has over 20 years of experience as a Gemmologist and Diamond Grader, has provided four items for consideration.
The prices for the items range from a budget friendly £45 to an astonishing £55,000, with the medium range items fetching £4,000 and £7,000.
Are you able to guess which items match up with their prices?
Useful indicators to consider when assessing the items are their age, the type of gold/metal, the shine and size of the stones, and any visible flaws or inclusions. These details can help you understand the quality and value of each ring.
1. Medieval iconographic finger ring
This gold ring dates from the 15th to early 16th Century and features an octagonal bezel carrying a depiction of St George and the Dragon. It has been engraved in shallow relief and retains remnants of coloured enamel.
2. Solitaire ring
A 9 carat gold ring, claw set, with a round cut stone. Hallmarked 375 London, dating to 1981 and weighing approximately 3.1 grams.
3. Solitaire ring
A 9 carat white gold ring, claw set, with a round European cut stone. This dates from the late 19th - early 20th Century.
4. Cluster ring
An 18 carat white gold ring with a platinum shank, a round brilliant cut centre stone and ten surrounding cluster stones. This ring is Mid Century, around the 1970's and weighs approximately 4.7 grams.
This gold ring dates from the 15th to early 16th Century and features an octagonal bezel carrying a depiction of St George and the Dragon. It has been engraved in shallow relief and retains remnants of coloured enamel.
2. Solitaire ring
A 9 carat gold ring, claw set, with a round cut stone. Hallmarked 375 London, dating to 1981 and weighing approximately 3.1 grams.
3. Solitaire ring
A 9 carat white gold ring, claw set, with a round European cut stone. This dates from the late 19th - early 20th Century.
4. Cluster ring
An 18 carat white gold ring with a platinum shank, a round brilliant cut centre stone and ten surrounding cluster stones. This ring is Mid Century, around the 1970's and weighs approximately 4.7 grams.
To see if your instincts are correct, the answers can be found below.
It goes to show that engaging with an expert is crucial in assessing any kind of antique item, not just jewellery. The experts at The Somerset Auction Rooms are always on hand to value your items and our regular auctions enable you to realise the best price in a straightforward way.
Free valuation sessions by appointment are held each Monday - Thursday, 10am-4pm. Book an appointment online and for more information or to consign items please contact the saleroom team on 01278 410250 or visit our Antiques Hub.
It goes to show that engaging with an expert is crucial in assessing any kind of antique item, not just jewellery. The experts at The Somerset Auction Rooms are always on hand to value your items and our regular auctions enable you to realise the best price in a straightforward way.
Free valuation sessions by appointment are held each Monday - Thursday, 10am-4pm. Book an appointment online and for more information or to consign items please contact the saleroom team on 01278 410250 or visit our Antiques Hub.
Answers
1 = £7,000 (9 carat gold ring)
2 = £45 (looks the picture but the stone is not a diamond)
3 = £55,000 (a 6 carat diamond)
4 = £4,000 (a 1.5 carat centre diamond and 10 round cut, brilliant diamonds totalling 1 carat).