Antique Victorian 18ct Gold Sapphire Five Stone Ring

In all our years dealing in antique and fine jewellery, I am not sure we've seen natural sapphires quite like these before. The colour is absolutely astonishing - a deep, rich mesmerising blue that is not too dark nor too light. The blue of kings and queens! All stones are very well matched, and are separated by small rose cut diamonds. The five stone sapphire ring is made from 18ct yellow gold and is dated from the end of the Victorian era. The hallmarks are only partially visible having been rubbed from wear, but the shank remains thick and solid with a few hairline fractures that do not threaten the integrity of the ring. There is some scratching to the sapphire faces, but overall they are in excellent condition for their age. The sapphires do show some indications of heating under the microscope - this is a treatment that has been carried out since antiquity and most sapphires on the market have been heated to improve their colour. A glorious antique ring which draws many comments and compliments. It's supplied in the lovely, Mappin & Webb case shown in the photos.