This remarkable 16th/17th-century diamond cluster ring captivates with its historical charm and intricate craftsmanship. Likely of northwestern European origin, it features nine table-cut rose diamonds set on foil, reflecting the early advancements indiamond cutting during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The table cut, one of the first faceting techniques developed, is time-specific to this era and a key feature in jewellery from this period. The ring’s design embodies the spirit of its time, while the shank raises intriguing questions about whether it was born with the ring or replaced later in its long life. In the description below, we delve into the arguments surrounding this. Imagine owning and wearing a jewel that has endured for 400years, carrying with it centuries of untold stories and moments in history.
Antique jewelry object group diamond cluster ring
Condition good condition more info on our condition scale
Country of origin Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of northwestern European origin (Dutch/Belgian)
Style This ring exemplifies the stylistic essence of circa 1600, capturing the transitional zeitgeist of the time. While it doesn’t strictly belong to the Baroque or Renaissance movements, its design reflects the artistic trends and craftsmanship of that era.The piece resonates with the spirit of its time, blending elements from both periods without being distinctly tied to either.
The top part of the ring, dating to around 1600, showcases a use of stones that strongly links it to the era. However, it remains difficult to classify it as purely Baroque or Renaissance in style. Interestingly, the bottom part (shank) of the ring maybe from a slightly later period, though this is not definitive. The hallmarks found on the shank provide further clues, suggesting the possibility of different timelines for the ring’s components, adding to its intrigue and historical depth.
Find more info on Baroque and Renaissance or on all styles
Period ca. 1600 Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.
Material 18K yellow gold (touchstone tested) more info on precious metals
Technique The rose cuts are set on foil. This is a special technique that was used to bring the lustre of the diamonds to its best quality.
Extra information As mentioned above, we cannot say with 100% certainty that the shank (also known as the band of the ring) originally belongs with the top part. It is not uncommon for the band to be replaced over time, and in this case, the gold color of the shankappears slightly more yellow compared to the reddish hue of the top part. However, this does not provide definite proof either, as the original goldsmith could have intended such a contrast. We will delve deeper into this in the section on the hallmarks.
Diamonds Nine table cut rose cut diamonds.We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.
- All diamonds, regardless of their size or shape, in our vintage and antique jewellery are verified as 100% natural by the IJGC laboratory.
- We do not sell lab-grown (synthetic) diamonds.
Birthstones Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April. more info on birthstones
The hallmarks present on the shank include:
- A cornucopia (horn of plenty), used in the Southern Netherlands from 1815 to 1832, specifically for small gold works without attachments. - A small Gothic "r," indicating a Belgian re-mark after 1830, applied to jewellery that was already in circulation before being submitted for re-inspection. - An "L" with wavy lines above it, which stylistically suggests an 18th-century or potentially much earlier origin.
These hallmarks on the shank suggest a later date than the setting style and the use of table-cut rose diamonds would indicate. All of these marks are found (not unusually) only on the shank and not on the top part, so the assumption that the top part is older than the shank remains plausible. more info on hallmarks
Dimensions band width top of ring 1,47 cm (0,58 inch) see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches
Weight 3,70 gram (2,38 dwt)
Ring size Continental EU: 59 & 18¾ , Size USA: 8¾ , Size UK: R
Resizing Free resizing (only for extreme resizing we have to charge). more info on ring sizes
Adin Reference Nº 24278-0234
Copyright photography Adin, fine antique jewellery
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It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.
Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.
As well you can find the following description:
•“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part
•“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision
•“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil
•“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary
•“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date
•“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist
•“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt
•"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist
