Renaissance point-cut diamond ring

A rare Renaissance diamond ring, circa 1550 – 1600. The simple high carat gold ring with quatrefoil bezel encloses a point-cut diamond, the natural octahedron refined by polishing to produce its pyramid shape. The diamond weighs approximately 0.85 carats and there are traces of black enamel on the bezel. One of the earliest cuts of diamonds was the point-cut, sometimes referred to as a writing diamond. The ring is size K and 1/2 [US 5 and 3/8] and in very fine and most wearable condition.  For similar examples see plates 428 and 429 in Scarisbrick’s Rings Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty.

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