Antique Crystal Opal & Old European Cut Diamond Halo Ring | Attributed to Spaulding & Co. | 18K Gold

An exceptional antique crystal opal and diamond halo ring, attributed to Spaulding & Co. of Chicago, beautifully showcasing the craftsmanship and elegance of the early twentieth century.

At its center rests a captivating natural crystal opal measuring approximately 8.0 × 10.0 × 2.8 mm, displaying vivid play-of-color with broad flashes of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue that shift beautifully as the gemstone moves through the light. The translucent crystal body allows the vibrant play-of-color to be appreciated from both the face and back of the stone—a desirable characteristic of fine natural crystal opals.

Encircling the opal is a sparkling halo of sixteen hand-cut Old European Cut natural diamonds, each measuring approximately 2.5 mm in diameter with depths ranging from 1.5–2.0 mm, consistent with the deeper proportions of authentic Old European Cuts. The diamonds exhibit the charming characteristics collectors prize, including open culets, smaller tables, slightly off-center facet arrangements, and individually hand-cut symmetry.

The diamonds are estimated to total approximately 0.90–1.00 carat total weight by measurement and formula estimate and average G–H color and VS1–SI1 clarity. The few SI-graded stones exhibit only minor facet-edge abrasions consistent with age and over a century of careful wear.

The upper mounting is crafted in 18K yellow gold, while the lower shank is a professionally replaced 14K yellow gold shank, a restoration commonly encountered in cherished antique rings that remained in regular wear through generations. The prongs have also been professionally re-tipped in 14K gold during the ring's lifetime.

A partially legible maker's mark reading "SPAU", together with the hallmark style, construction details, and comparison to documented examples, supports attribution to Spaulding & Co. of Chicago, one of America's distinguished jewelers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. While the attribution cannot be stated with absolute certainty due to the incomplete hallmark, the evidence strongly supports this conclusion.

This remarkable ring combines exceptional antique craftsmanship, nearly one carat of Old European Cut diamonds, and a beautifully colorful natural crystal opal into a timeless heirloom worthy of any fine antique jewelry collection. #A

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Details

• Attributed to Spaulding & Co., Chicago
• Circa 1900–1925
• 18K yellow gold upper mounting
• Later professionally replaced 14K yellow gold shank
• 14K professionally re-tipped prongs
• Natural crystal opal
• Opal measurements: approximately 8.0 × 10.0 × 2.8 mm
• Sixteen Old European Cut natural diamonds
• Diamond measurements: approximately 2.5 mm diameter × 1.5–2.0 mm depth
• Estimated total diamond weight: approximately 0.90–1.00 carat total weight (by measurement and formula estimate)
• Diamond color: G–H
• Diamond clarity: VS1–SI1
• Ring size: 6
• Weight: 3.65 grams
• Partially legible maker's mark: "SPAU"

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Condition

Very good antique estate condition, consistent with over a century of careful wear. The natural crystal opal displays exceptional play-of-color. The diamonds remain secure in their settings and retain their original antique cutting characteristics.

The ring features a professionally replaced 14K lower shank and professionally re-tipped prongs, thoughtful restorations that have preserved the ring's longevity while maintaining its antique character.

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Why You'll Love It

Few antique rings combine so many desirable characteristics in one piece: a vibrant natural crystal opal displaying flashes of every color in the spectrum, a halo of genuine Old European Cut diamonds approaching one carat in total weight, rich 18K gold craftsmanship, and probable attribution to one of Chicago's most respected historic jewelers.

Whether worn as a statement ring, cherished as an heirloom, or added to a serious antique jewelry collection, this remarkable piece beautifully captures the artistry and romance of the early twentieth century.

• Designer = Spaulding & Co.
• Material = 18K & 14K
• Metal Finish = Bright Polish
• Gemstone = Crystal Opal
• Shape/Cut = Oval
• 2nd Gemstone = Diamond
• 2nd Shape/Cut = Old European Cut
• 2nd Gem Color = G-H
• 2nd Gem Clarity = VS1 - SI1
• Weight (Grams) = 3.65G
• Ring Size = Size 6
• Condition = Very Good Antique Condition

Item Number: 21325-5

Item ID: 109617

Category: Ring

Note: This item has been inspected and appraised by a GIA Graduate Gemologist NAJA Appraiser.

Diamond origin is tested using a GIA iD100 Gem Testing Device. Unless indicated otherwise, all diamonds are to be considered natural, earth-mined diamonds. All man-made, laboratory-grown, laboratory-created, or synthetic diamonds are well marked on the price tag as well as in the website description.

All diamond and gemstone grading is done under GIA standards as the mounting permits. All gemstone weights and measurements are approximate. Unless otherwise stated, colored gemstones may have commonly used clarity and color enhancing treatments per industry standards.

Prospective buyers should note that all jewelry we sell is 'used' and will likely have some amount of wear, we warranty that the item will be essentially as we have described it, but no other warranties are expressed or implied, and all items are sold 'as is'.