shape
carat
color
clarity

Worth it to reuse these rubies from a diamond/ruby "leafy lump" ring?

Would you polish and reuse these rubies in a new piece of jewelry?

  • Yes, I would pay to have the abrasions polished out and use the rubies.

    Votes: 14 28.6%
  • No, I don't think they are worth the work, or don't like them.

    Votes: 2 4.1%
  • Don't take the ring apart!

    Votes: 33 67.3%

  • Total voters
    49

LD

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Messages
10,261
I like the ring but I've also bought pieces to take them apart. You've got a good amount of rubies and diamonds in that ring and it might save you a fortune if you like pears and want to have different settings. Are you ok with heating or treatments of rubies because the may not be without treatments. Oh and if you want to sell to of the diamond pears to me, I'd be happy to buy them as I'm trying to design a project at the moment! :loopy:
 

Skyjems

Shiny_Rock
Trade
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
156
Yes I will wear it for at least a month before I decide what to do with it. Thank you so much!

I did some research after @Skyjems post and I think they are talking about flux-healing of rubies? http://www.palagems.com/flux-healing#:~:text= However, the flux healing of Mong Hsu,Hsu ruby treatment actually improves a... More

I think this ring would have had to be made a bit later than I thought, in the 1980s or later, for the rubies to be flux-healed based on when this treatment was developed. Since I have not had it examined yet that is of course possible and does not bother me.

A note about the flux, that is just my best guess based the inclusions you described.

As for the age of the ring, I would also put it at 70s-early 90s.

I have bought SO MANY RINGS with the intent to break them and use the diamonds, but this one in particular is exquisite.

Maybe see if the baguette ballerina grows on you?
 

Daisys and Diamonds

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 30, 2019
Messages
22,397
These were a few more of her colored stone rings, which I did not get. Now that I have seen how high quality this ring is, I regret not bidding on more of them. The photography was quite poor for an auction house, these rubies were purple in their photos and they did not clean the ring so I could not tell if the diamonds were included or not! (They are quite clean and at least F in color.) I love getting a glimpse into lives through estate sales.

1603299522486.png

1603299557347.png

1603299595110.png

1603299639961.png

I can't breath .....
 

Big Fat Facets

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 7, 2019
Messages
1,468
Thank you so much, happy to share! (The live auctions can be a dangerous addiction though, so beware! :D) The nails are not polish, they are a manicure in a box aka glue-on nails: https://staticnails.com/products/sexyredround

My best pandemic beauty find. :)

oh wow, i wouldn't have known. i think your nails are so tidy and such pretty hands. stick on nails are far better than yucky flooded cuticles:lol-2:
 

Redwoods-hiker-girl

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Feb 1, 2014
Messages
661
I bought this mid-20th century cluster / cocktail ring for the pear-cut diamonds, intending to reuse in one or more new rings around a colored stone -- there are 14 of them, and 13 are matching in size, 4.5-5mm x 3-3.5mm.

So far I am still intending to take it apart, although I feel a bit guilty.. it's clear that some tiny old lady loved this ring. She modified it to add a 14k finger-fit shank to the platinum top, and it's a size 3 although with sizing beads it fits more like a 3.75-4 on me.

It's a strange kind of asymmetrical leafy lump design, looks beautiful from the top but I hate the ballerina undercarriage.
47700398-4DBC-49DE-9695-157C268A0ECE_1_201_a.jpeg

42CF7D40-CDEA-468F-ABFD-31CED2FAD724_1_201_a.jpeg
C36396F3-194D-4245-A354-5F17ECDB3C3B_1_201_a.jpeg
5983FA14-3074-4909-B18C-DFE1C2D783DC_1_201_a.jpeg

The ring has 11 pear-cut rubies, similar in size to the diamonds, and mostly matching or at a minimum making pairs. They are a deep purplish red color with hot pink or red sparks, and have sleepy inclusions. I do not yet know for certain that they are natural, but suspect they are based on appearance and the value of the diamonds in the ring. The rubies that are more exposed in the setting have abrasions so if I reuse them I think I would have to get about half or more of them repolished if I was going to reset them.

I don't know anything about rubies, or whether or not this color is desirable. Ultimately I have to decide based on what I like, but I'm curious, what would you do? Does anyone have thoughts on their color?

Thanks in advance!

Oh, that is such a beautiful ring. I love the rubies!
 

Polabowla

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Nov 15, 2019
Messages
1,866
I don't like the setting, but the rubies & diamonds are stunning- reminds me of a few Harry Winston pieces.
Eta a photo- this is Harry Winston's photo, not mine
 

Attachments

  • winston_cluster_by_harry_winston_ring_ruby_and_diamond_FRRPCLPMWC_569258_trans_1.png
    winston_cluster_by_harry_winston_ring_ruby_and_diamond_FRRPCLPMWC_569258_trans_1.png
    129.3 KB · Views: 25

Polyhex

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
550
I thought it was clean when I was taking photos, but after a steam cleaning I can say it was NOT. Will try to take more outside the next day that has good light. This is my kitchen lighting. :-o

3E05CB78-BC25-4E7B-AB73-6E4B83874E78_1_201_a.jpeg
 

Pinkmartini87

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Apr 10, 2017
Messages
1,314
I’m late to the party but pleeeeeease don’t break up the ring. It’s a stunner. It would cost an arm and leg to make something so intricate like this today. It’s a proud emblem of its time and worth much more than just a sum of its parts.
 

Polyhex

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
550
I’m late to the party but pleeeeeease don’t break up the ring. It’s a stunner. It would cost an arm and leg to make something so intricate like this today. It’s a proud emblem of its time and worth much more than just a sum of its parts.

You're right, and I just realized that this evening... for this time period, the setting had to be forged by hand rather than cast to fit all of the stones, and that's why the prong work is so nice and tiny. I will wear her for the month but I am very sentimental and I think my big plans for these stones are going to heck! :oops2:
 

Daisys and Diamonds

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 30, 2019
Messages
22,397
I thought it was clean when I was taking photos, but after a steam cleaning I can say it was NOT. Will try to take more outside the next day that has good light. This is my kitchen lighting. :-o

3E05CB78-BC25-4E7B-AB73-6E4B83874E78_1_201_a.jpeg

Wow !
I thought she was stunning before but
wow !!!
She washes up into the belle of the ball
Please fall in love with her
 

Big Fat Facets

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 7, 2019
Messages
1,468
the setting has got to be hand fabricated. the skilled bench craftsman arranged and placed each stone just so. yes, your initial plans have gone awry BUT you've gained a spectacular ring that appears so well executed. it looks so at home on your hand. give it a chance to be loved as is. you can always change your mind once you get to know how you like wearing it
 

Polyhex

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
550
I decided to keep it as-is. It's too beautiful to break apart. This is the ring after being more fully cleaned in different lighting conditions outside and in my kitchen. Unfortunately it would cost me a fortune to buy this quality of diamond pear-cuts for another ring, but it looks like I will be able to get lower quality GH and Si1 stones from Karen Rosengart for $1k/ct in .2 ct size.

8F2C4FB6-C977-445D-8E56-29356CAE886A_1_201_a.jpeg
274B8678-9D62-4423-AFDF-739F085AA4E8_1_201_a.jpeg
5AC28EF3-0AEC-45E2-AC12-34B049CFB0B6_1_201_a.jpeg
1B041C66-F8A7-44CB-AE30-D683B447F3CE_1_201_a.jpeg
41CB88F5-7D70-42AF-8C6F-A1621514B87C_1_201_a.jpeg

You can see here why the undercarriage is not to my taste. We all have warts I suppose!
596E0F29-EBBF-43DA-ABF9-8AF9EB7141FC_1_201_a.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • 4582FFB8-7E58-4DDB-8F47-ABF6E83299C2_1_201_a.jpeg
    4582FFB8-7E58-4DDB-8F47-ABF6E83299C2_1_201_a.jpeg
    206.5 KB · Views: 25

Ionysis

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Oct 1, 2015
Messages
1,895
Yay!!!! So pleased to hear that. I love her.
 

Daisys and Diamonds

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 30, 2019
Messages
22,397
I decided to keep it as-is. It's too beautiful to break apart. This is the ring after being more fully cleaned in different lighting conditions outside and in my kitchen. Unfortunately it would cost me a fortune to buy this quality of diamond pear-cuts for another ring, but it looks like I will be able to get lower quality GH and Si1 stones from Karen Rosengart for $1k/ct in .2 ct size.

8F2C4FB6-C977-445D-8E56-29356CAE886A_1_201_a.jpeg
274B8678-9D62-4423-AFDF-739F085AA4E8_1_201_a.jpeg
5AC28EF3-0AEC-45E2-AC12-34B049CFB0B6_1_201_a.jpeg
1B041C66-F8A7-44CB-AE30-D683B447F3CE_1_201_a.jpeg
41CB88F5-7D70-42AF-8C6F-A1621514B87C_1_201_a.jpeg

You can see here why the undercarriage is not to my taste. We all have warts I suppose!
596E0F29-EBBF-43DA-ABF9-8AF9EB7141FC_1_201_a.jpeg

A happy ending!
 

MissyBeaucoup

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Mar 10, 2017
Messages
1,124
I finally understand why they are called ballerina rings! Those delicate vertical supports look like ballerina legs on pointe. Good golly those rubies cleaned up nicely! And I think you will appreciate the hand craftsmanship more and more as you wear it.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos with us!
 

icy_jade

Ideal_Rock
Joined
May 1, 2009
Messages
6,131
Thank you. It looks like the ring was designed for someone with finger joint issues? Feels like it was a well-loved ring and I’m glad you decided to keep it intact. Thank you for sharing with us.
 

Polyhex

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
550
Thank you. It looks like the ring was designed for someone with finger joint issues? Feels like it was a well-loved ring and I’m glad you decided to keep it intact. Thank you for sharing with us.

I think it belonged to a woman who developed joint issues as she got older and had her rings updated with finger-fit shanks. The top is platinum and the finger-fit is white gold. There was a collection of amazing rings size 3-4 all with finger-fits added in a live auction. I think it was her estate sale, RIP.
 

minousbijoux

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 5, 2010
Messages
12,804
The ring is beautiful - add me to the "glad you kept it as is" camp!

And thanks for teaching me something new - never heard of Finger Fit rings before. They are so cool!
 

Rubies-R-Me

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 8, 2011
Messages
2,591
The ring is STUNNING!!! I don't know how I missed this thread.. so glad i saw it now..

:kiss2:Wow.. wow.. wow.. that's all I got. :kiss2:
 

blingbling26

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 19, 2014
Messages
6
That ring is FABULOUS! My mouth dropped when i saw it, and then I read you were thinking of taking it apart... my heart sank. Agreed, I wouldn't normally love the ballerina undercarriage part either but on this ring i wouldn't care. So glad you are going to keep it as is, it is a glamorous stunner and looks beautiful on you!
 
Last edited:

YC

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Aug 21, 2013
Messages
609
I am glad that you are not taking the ring apart. I am not a fan of the ballerina undercarriage but it is partially hidden. The rest of the ring is so beautifully put together and overall, I think that the ring is gorgeous.
 

partgypsy

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Nov 7, 2004
Messages
6,621
I personally love the ring. It's a cluster but an unusual cluster. I think that would be a perfect party or holiday ring. There are so many pieces out there that are very similar.
 

Rad_Fan

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 1, 2018
Messages
3,173
@Polyhex, want something to go with your ring!? :bigsmile:


"... AGL, 2020, report no. 1109206: 12 Rubies tested, Burma (12), no gemological evidence of heat (11), heat and minor heating residue (1) " I found this very interesting.
 

Polyhex

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
550
Thank you so much everyone, really it's me that has to say thank YOU for encouraging me to see the beauty in the ring and helping me understand the rubies!

@Polyhex, want something to go with your ring!? :bigsmile:


"... AGL, 2020, report no. 1109206: 12 Rubies tested, Burma (12), no gemological evidence of heat (11), heat and minor heating residue (1) " I found this very interesting.

Hah hah, I love it!! It's like my ring's MUCH BIGGER and 30x more expensive sister!! :D

I am actually eyeing a little sibling coming up for auction which is much more randomly and less attractively put together.
 

Big Fat Facets

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 7, 2019
Messages
1,468
ive realized that your "cherries in the snow ring", has got to be my most, top favorite cocktail ring. is there a *waiting list* of sorts, for the opportunity to acquire it from you should you ever wish to sell?? please put me at the top of the list, if you wouldn't mind ... =)2
 

chrono

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2004
Messages
38,364
*Breathes a sigh of relief*
Its an amazing cocktail ring that’s unique (in a good way) and well made. It might not be my style but it’s something I’ll wear because it’s special in many ways.
 
Be a part of the community Get 3 HCA Results
Top