This lovely antique Italian cluster ring dates to around 1800 and is set with a garnet and diamonds. In the middle of the ring head lies a bright red garnet, surrounded by a cluster of 8 flat rose cut diamonds in rubover silver settings. The flower head cluster design is typical of late 18th to early 19th century traditional Southern Italian rings. As expected with this type of ring, the central raised gold setting of the garnet is fixed to the ring with a cut-down rivet which is visible on the smooth and domed underside of the bezel. The trifurcated shoulders lead to a reeded shank which is stamped with two Italian hallmarks. This elegant and rosy hued gold ring sits fairly flat on the finger to allow for frequent wear and is without doubt a particularly scarce example of its kind.

UK ring size S, US size 9.25

6.41g, tested as 8/9K gold, bezel measures 18mm across. Each diamond measures about 2mm and garnet measures 5mm x 3.5mm.

Despite being over 200 years old, the ring is in great condition, and has never been resized or altered.