Edwardian Austro-Hungarian sapphire diamond 14k rose gold silver ring

Three stones step down the face of this ring in a vertical line, an Old European cut diamond at each end and a deep blue round sapphire, weighing approximately 0.40 carat, glowing like ink at the center, each one snug in its own bezel. Sixteen Old European and single cut diamonds in all, weighing approximately 0.50 carat in H-I color and VS-SI clarity, are scattered across the surrounding plaque like tiny stars, the whole face pierced and scrolled into a graceful, figure-eight outline edged with delicate milgrain. The cool, silvery face is silver, a method Edwardian jewelers used to make diamonds appear whiter and lacier, mounted over 14k rose gold, whose warm pink glow shows in the shank and gives the piece a lovely two-tone feel. Stamped with Austro-Hungarian hallmarks, the ring dates to the last glittering years of the Habsburg empire, and at 3.17 grams it is light and graceful on the hand. Circa 1910, it is a ring for someone with a romantic, old-world sensibility who enjoys the intricate, lacy detail of Edwardian design and a hint of blue.