Authentic Georgian pearl ring?

[Pinkmartini87]

Hi all, I’m hoping to buy a Georgian pearl band for Christmas. Would love some expert eyes on the two rings below as to:
1) Authentic for age?
2) Thoughts re price?

Option 1: unmarked. Around $1k USD. No gold carat info available. I like the luster of the pearls and the ring looks to be in good condition (too good for its age????). But I can’t be certain it’s a true Georgian rather than Georgian style mount IMHO.





option 2: also around $1k USD. I personally like this one less (pearls more worn, mounting details not crisp and shank has been cut/soldered before, overall does not have the details I love about Georgian pieces in general), but wonder if this would be more true to age given its condition. Unmarked but per seller tested as 15ct.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I have no idea but i can see why you are keen on the first one
But how can pearls set in a ring still look so good all these years latter ?
Has it always been owned and only worn by ladies who have servents ?

 

[Pinkmartini87]

I have no idea but i can see why you are keen on the first one
But how can pearls set in a ring still look so good all these years latter ?
Has it always been owned and only worn by ladies who have servents ?

Right?!?! They look quite pristine. I suppose one could also have replaced them along the way…

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Right?!?! They look quite pristine. I suppose one could also have replaced them along the way…

i think you should post this in the pearl forum for @yssie and co to look at

also may i just ask ....?
would it be so bad to have a reproduction made ?
you could get absolutly top notch pearls

its a beautiful ring
i gott admit im quite taken by it and will save the image

 

[Pinkmartini87]

i think you should post this in the pearl forum for @yssie and co to look at

also may i just ask ....?
would it be so bad to have a reproduction made ?
you could get absolutly top notch pearls

its a beautiful ring
i gott admit im quite taken by it and will save the image

Actually seeing @yssie and her new pearl eternity ring was a bit of an inspiration for this. However, I didn’t post in pearls since for me the age/period would be my primary goal, so pearls aren’t the priority here.

I prefer to collect only true antiques so will prob pass on the reproduction route.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Actually seeing @yssie and her new pearl eternity ring was a bit of an inspiration for this. However, I didn’t post in pearls since for me the age/period would be my primary goal, so pearls aren’t the priority here.

I prefer to collect only true antiques so will prob pass on the reproduction route.

would you consider replacing the pearls if they are not so great once its in your hand?

 

[Pinkmartini87]

would you consider replacing the pearls if they are not so great once its in your hand?

Great question! I’d prob leave it be unless the damage is pretty bad. I like keeping a piece original as much as I can. I enjoy the history and the story of a piece.

 

[elizat]

I don't think either one of those rings is an actual antique.

The setting on the first is wrong and the second too.

You can tell that both have been glued. If these were legitimate, they would have held by bezel work or the more primitive looking saw style prongs that were less decorative and more utilitarian.

The second ring looks like it's been made to look old on purpose, as well as rough cast to try to mimic age.

Take a look at other antique dealer websites. You'll see that the pieces are just different in construction.

Georgian Butterfly Wing Pin

Actual butterfly wings, encased under beveled glass and enveloped by natural pearls in a bow and buckle design, shimmer in beautiful hues of iridescent lavender and ocher. A one-of-a-kind collectible dated "Oct. 15th 1857". Fabulous!

www.langantiques.com

This is a reproduction and it looks similar to some of the elements of the second ring.

Georgian Style Rose-Cut Diamond Pearl and Enamel Ring

This striking dinner ring, expertly rendered in silver over 9K rose gold (hence of British or possibly Dutch origin) in classic Georgian/early-Victorian style (most likely originating from the mid-20th-century) presents a pair of glittering pear shape rose-cut diamonds set atop glossy cobalt...

www.langantiques.com

Honestly, actual legitimate Georgian pieces that have survived are pretty rare. The pearls would be also pretty much worn down to nothing on a ring as well. It's one of the hardest eras to buy as far as finding things that are legitimate that are not Dutch, Argentinian, or British reproductions.

 

[Pinkmartini87]

I don't think either one of those rings is an actual antique.

The setting on the first is wrong and the second too.

You can tell that both have been glued. If these were legitimate, they would have held by bezel work or the more primitive looking saw style prongs that were less decorative and more utilitarian.

The second ring looks like it's been made to look old on purpose, as well as rough cast to try to mimic age.

Take a look at other antique dealer websites. You'll see that the pieces are just different in construction.

Georgian Butterfly Wing Pin

Actual butterfly wings, encased under beveled glass and enveloped by natural pearls in a bow and buckle design, shimmer in beautiful hues of iridescent lavender and ocher. A one-of-a-kind collectible dated "Oct. 15th 1857". Fabulous!

www.langantiques.com

This is a reproduction and it looks similar to some of the elements of the second ring.

Georgian Style Rose-Cut Diamond Pearl and Enamel Ring

This striking dinner ring, expertly rendered in silver over 9K rose gold (hence of British or possibly Dutch origin) in classic Georgian/early-Victorian style (most likely originating from the mid-20th-century) presents a pair of glittering pear shape rose-cut diamonds set atop glossy cobalt...

www.langantiques.com

Honestly, actual legitimate Georgian pieces that have survived are pretty rare. The pearls would be also pretty much worn down to nothing on a ring as well. It's one of the hardest eras to buy as far as finding things that are legitimate that are not Dutch, Argentinian, or British reproductions.

Thank you! My gut feeling told me something about them was off hence I posted them here at the risk of lurkers nabbing them, to get some opinions, glad I did!

Yes, I remember bell & bird had a Georgian pearl ring a while back and it was exquisite—wee little prongs holding each pearl, the craftsmanship just sang. Here’s the photo of it:

 

[yssie]

I’m glad you’re passing - I agree totally with @elizat, I wouldn’t guess either to be a genuine Georgian era piece. Construction, style, and condition look wrong to me too.

Lang has some of the most informative articles I’ve seen anywhere, btw!!

Georgian Jewelry: 1714-1837 – Antique Jewelry University

www.langantiques.com

 

[Bron357]

My 5 cents.
Without proof of being Georgian, $1K is too much for a simple gold ring with a few pearls.
They don’t look 200 odd years old to my eyes.
I think it would be safer to buy from a reputable Antique jeweller to be sure you are getting your moneys worth.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I’m glad you’re passing - I agree totally with @elizat, I wouldn’t guess either to be a genuine Georgian era piece. Construction, style, and condition look wrong to me too.

Lang has some of the most informative articles I’ve seen anywhere, btw!!

Georgian Jewelry: 1714-1837 – Antique Jewelry University

www.langantiques.com

what a wonderful little read

 

[Pinkmartini87]

@yssie & @Bron357

Thanks for coming to the rescue! I will pass on both rings. $$$ saved!