Edwardian Alexandrite & Diamond Halo Ring

Dating to circa 1910, this Edwardian ring features a 2.70-carat cushion-cut natural alexandrite, prong-set in a combination of 18KT yellow gold and palladium. Ten old mine-cut and old European-cut diamonds surround the center stone, totaling 1.20 carats, with I1–I2 clarity and H–I color. The diamonds are arranged in a scalloped palladium halo with semi-bezel and bead settings, creating a softly rounded frame around the alexandrite. The ring is approximately a size 5.75.

Palladium offered early 20th-century jewelers a naturally white precious metal for diamond settings, providing a cool-toned contrast to yellow gold. Here, the white metal visually unites the surrounding diamonds while allowing the warmer gold shank and central gemstone to remain distinct.

Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl prized for its remarkable color-change phenomenon, typically appearing greenish in daylight and reddish or purplish under incandescent illumination. The stone's changing appearance is caused by the way chromium within its crystal structure absorbs different wavelengths of light. This optical phenomenon makes alexandrite one of the most fascinating gemstones used in antique jewelry.

Appraised Value:  $18,600