18th Century Baroque Diamond Bow Ring

This scarce European ring dates from the mid to late 18th century. The small but prominent central rose cut diamond rests in an oval domed silver bezel with scalloped edges, a setting often referred to as “pie crust”. This type of setting first emerged during the 17th century and was originally formed from gold. Towards the end of the century, goldsmiths began to make these bezels from silver as they believed that only a white metal mounting could render the true beauty of a diamond.

Stylistically unusual, something in between Baroque and Rococo, the engraved D-shaped band is crafted in 18K yellow gold and trifurcates at the shoulders almost resembling the capital of a column. Each shoulder is adorned with a further rose cut diamond and the ring head as a whole resembles a bow, a common motif of the period.

UK ring size Q, US size 8, 2.59g, oval silver bezel measures 8mm x 7mm, central diamond measures 3mm x 2mm. Unmarked but tests as 18K gold and silver. In great condition considering it is nearly 300 years old.