14K Gold Victorian Blue Topaz and Garnet Bombe Ring

This is a stunning late Victorian bombe ring in 14k yellow gold that features a floral garden-like pattern in the filigree work, with delicate flowers and leaves ascending from the band and into the dome of the ring face. The ring’s focal point is five natural antique topaz placed in a cross shape. Rows of garnets are symmetrically scattered around the central topaz. The garnets are bead set and incorporated into the floral motif of the filigree; the topaz are both bead and prong set. 

The ring contains five natural antique blue topaz that are approximately 5.5 - 6 mm in diameter and 3.7 mm deep, for a TCW of 3.75 carats of topaz. These antique topaz are special because unlike contemporary topaz, which are typically heat treated in a process invented in the 1950’s, the blue coloring of the stones was acquired naturally when they were still underground. This gives them earthier brown undertones that create a dusty shade of blue, and each stone has beautiful variations to its coloring. The stones are Old European Cut, with open culets and small tables—all cut by hand—indicative of the ring’s age. The ring also contains 14 natural antique garnets that range in size from 1.75 - 2.5 mm. 

The face of the ring measures 5/8” x 7/8” and sits 5/8” high. The band is 2.7 mm wide. The ring weighs 4.5 grams. Unmarked, but acid tests as 14k. 

Ring size 7.25.