The Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale on 14th November will be headlined by an exquisite marquise diamond ring, on offer with an estimate of £30,000-40,000 plus buyer’s premium.
The marquise cut dates back to the 1700s, when King Louis XV of France requested his jeweller to cut a diamond to mimic the shape of his mistress’s lips. A new cut was created with a broad middle, reaching out to pointed ends on both sides. The moniker “Marquise” was adopted in association with the rank of the courtiers who subsequently favoured the cut that became popular following the original commission from the King.
In addition to its regal heritage, marquise cut stones are desirable for other reasons; the elongated shape of the marquise cut creates the illusion of an even larger stone, which has long been regarded as a benefit, and some believe the cut offers a slimming effect to the finger.
The present ring is sold with provenance from Sharrone, Lady Walker, Isle of Man, and was consigned following initial discussions earlier this year along with a larger consignment of silver, fine art and furniture that will be sold on the same day. The ring was given to Lady Walker’s mother-in-law, Synolda Emily (née Thursby-Pelham) in the 1930s by a Dutch admirer, when she was between marriages, and it then passed by descent. Lady Walker remembers her mother-in-law as a ‘femme formidable’ with a great sense of humour.
A Diamond Ring
the old marquise cut diamond in a white six claw setting, to diamond set fleur-de-lys shoulders and gallery, on a plain polished shank, total estimated diamond weight 6.40 carat approximately
finger size K
Estimate: £30,000-40,000 plus buyer’s premium
The ring was consigned with a historic insurance valuation, which suggested that the marquise diamond was of approximately 5.60 carat, I colour, and VVS2 clarity. Colour I is within the normal colour range, however VVS clarity is just below flawless. As a rule of thumb, a VVS stone will require a qualified jeweller equipped with 10x magnification and some time to find any inclusions within the diamond. How tricky this is, depends upon the size and colour of the inclusions and their location or locations. Diamonds of this clarity level are much rarer and therefore more valuable than average commercial stones.
Upon first hand inspection in the department, it was felt the colour could in fact be a higher grade than previously reported, and as the clarity was evidently extremely good the ring was submitted to the reputable GCS laboratory in London, for their opinion. This step is important to aid buyer confidence with larger diamonds of top quality. There, the principal diamond was assessed as H/I colour and VVS1/VVS2 clarity. Their measurements suggest an estimated diamond weight of 6.00 carat approximately, a superb stone!
This is a beautiful example of early 20th century craftsmanship and will be available for public view from Sunday 8th to Friday 13th November, or be private appointment.
