Antique Sapphire & Diamond Ring

A most romantic antique circa 1890-1900 Italian bicolor "Maxi Toppa" sapphire diamond ring. In Italian jewelry history, "Toppa" translates literally to "keyhole" or "patch." Originating as a regional style prominent throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, an anello a toppa features a dramatic, domed north-south orientation that covers the finger like an ornamental shield or the decorative lockplate of an antique baroque door. The term "Maxi" denotes a grander, exceptionally elongated statement variation of this traditional style. Before the widespread adoption of platinum or white gold at the turn of the century, master bench smiths set diamonds exclusively into sterling silver to maximize their brilliant, icy reflection. They seamlessly paired this hand-pierced top plate with a warm yellow gold under-gallery and band, creating a dramatic, bicolor aesthetic that prevented the silver from tarnishing against the wearer's skin. This turn-of-the-century shield ring features an incredibly intricate, multi-tiered open wirework under-gallery and hand-chased foliate shoulders. The central natural blue sapphire glows a rich violetish-blue and was set into a hand-formed crown bezel. Four bright, antique hand cut diamonds are set into hand-beaded, geometric compass collets, catching the light against the naturally oxidized, darkened silver background. The split shoulders feature delicate leaf details that meet a hand-notched ribbed gold shank. This ring was crafted in 14k gold and sterling silver, weighs approximately 6.28g, and is about a size 6/6.25. The face of the shield measures 22.2mm x 15.9mm. The central natural sapphire weighs about 1.10ct, with the surrounding diamonds weighing about 0.10ct combined. Shank shows evidence of a discreet previous laser resizing, so can be resized. * Comes with independent third party appraisal. All my pieces ship from my studio in Toronto, ON. Please read shop policies before purchasing and/or should you have any questions. You can view my newest pieces on Instagram at @black.umbrella.jewelry