The Antique Jewellery Company
Latest Finds Most Popular Expert Picks The Archive Sale Eras Collections
Contact Book a Consultation
Wishlist Sign In
The Antique Jewellery Company
Free Shipping, Returns & Sizing
Book Your Appointment
The Antique Jewellery Company Experts since 1975Read Our Story
The Antique Jewellery Company

Art Deco 18ct Gold, Platinum, Rose Diamond & Synthetic Sapphire Crested Intaglio Ring

119H
Written by Olly Gerrish

An impressive that was made in the 1920s in America. It is set with a .

The history of the synthetic gemstone is interesting. In 1873 Auguste Verneuil, who was based at the Museum of History in Paris, began to work to synthesize corundum. In 1876, after many experiments, synthesis was understood and repeatable although it was not understood how sapphire, called, “bug juice” synthesis took place. The blue corundum colour that was created was not a fine blue colour and the process could not be repeated.

In 1886, Verneuil, a gem expert and Fremy worked together with Jannettez while they were still at the Paris Museum of Natural History. Verneuil came to realize that fusing powdered alumina and chromium with the oxygen hydrogen torch made synthetic corundum.

At some between 1886 and 1892, Verneuil discovered flame fusion. Later he realized that using different elements would create other synthetic gemstones such as synthetic ruby.

In 1909, Vernueil realized that synthetic sapphires could be created with the addition of iron and titanium and in 1911, he and his employer, the Heller Company, were given two patents for this discovery.

So this was a revolution in the gem industry and many pieces of jewellery made after 1909 and well into the 1920s and later were often set with a mixture of synthetic and natural stones. It was acceptable and was often used to get the right colour match.

In signet rings such as this example the synthetic stone has been beautifully cut with an of a crest.

Item Number
119H
Measurements
Top section ⅝ in / 1.6 cm by ⅝ in / 1.6 cm
Item Materials
Date & Origin
Provenance
American
Hallmarks
Unmarked, tested to 18ct & platinum
Condition
Very Good
Discovered
8 years ago
Sustainable Luxury

The Responsible Choice

Buying antique jewellery is both ethical and eco-friendly as harmful and destructive mining processes are not needed to make an item yours. So give yourself a pat on the back!

Find Out More
Sustainable Luxury
AJC Guarantee
Our Guarantee

Our Guarantee

We always stand by our five core principles:
Quality, Rarity, Expertise, Peace of Mind and Personal Touch

Find Out More