Step back a century or more and slip on a little glow of history. This antique ring—crafted in warm gilt metal with a tall, scalloped basket and romantic foliate shoulders—holds a sky-blue paste stone that has lived a long, well-traveled life. Its color is a soft, watery blue; its surface shows the gentle, honest wear that only time can give. Under certain light you’ll notice that dreamy, smoky cast antique-jewelry lovers cherish—typical of older foil-backed or early glass stones—adding mood and depth you simply do not find in modern pieces. If you love jewelry that looks like it has a story to tell, you’ve found your ring.
Era & style. The architecture points to late Victorian into early Edwardian workmanship (circa 1880–1910) with a definite Georgian revival feel. The head is a high, oval basket with sturdy, hand-finished claws that rise above a scalloped gallery; the shoulders bloom into little rococo leaves and petals before tapering into a simple shank. It’s a classic silhouette of the era—ornate enough to be romantic, yet streamlined enough for everyday wear. This is the sort of ring you see in old portrait photos, catching the light as someone turns a page or lifts a teacup.
Materials. The mounting is gilt brass / pinchbeck—a historical, gold-colored alloy used throughout the 18th and 19th centuries for its rich color and durability. The finish shows the expected mellowing from age and use, which reads as authentic warmth rather than high-polish flash. The center is a blue paste (glass) stone, about 14×10 mm face-up in the setting, with a faceted crown that has softened slightly from a century of wear. Paste stones were not “pretend” jewels to the Victorians; the best paste cutters were artists in their own right, chasing color, light, and proportion with great care. This one delivers a tranquil, aquamarine-like blue that looks beautiful in daylight and lamplight alike.
Condition. Antique and gracefully worn. The stone shows facet abrasions and that gentle grey “smoke” associated with aged foils or internal patina; the gilding has thinned in places along the shank and high points of the gallery; prongs are slightly irregular but hold the stone securely. Please review the macro photos—taken in unforgiving light to over-disclose—so you know exactly what you are getting. In normal, arm’s-length wear, the ring reads as charming and luminous.
Fit & measurements. On my mandrel the ring sits right about US size 8.75–9 (allowing for sizer taper). Head rises approximately 8–9 mm off the finger, so it has that elegant antique “presence” without feeling top-heavy. The oval stone measures roughly 14×10 mm in the setting; overall head is about 18×14 mm including the scalloped frame. Weighs comfortably for everyday wear. Because the metal is a gilt base alloy rather than karat gold, sizing should be discussed with a skilled bench jeweler who is comfortable with antique costume pieces; many collectors prefer to wear these on the middle or index finger for a perfect look.
Why collectors love pieces like this. Antique paste has its own devoted following because it captures a bygone jewelry language—romance over status, hand-touched details over factory sameness. The tall basket, floral shoulders, and calm blue oval are hallmarks of that language. Rings of this scale and color are becoming noticeably scarcer on the market; most survivors either lost their stones long ago or were over-polished into modern anonymity. This one keeps its character intact, and that counts.
How it wears. Light catches the softened facets and dances across the high crown, while the gilt petals at the shoulders add a warm frame. It stacks surprisingly well with simple gold bands, braided rings, or even a narrow diamond guard. The color pairs beautifully with denim, linen, white shirts, and black knits; it is equally at home as a signature “everyday” ring or as your special-occasion sparkler that invites conversation.
Care notes. As with all antique foil-back/paste jewelry, please keep the ring away from prolonged moisture, ultrasounds, or chemical cleaners. A soft, dry cloth after wear is best. Remove for gardening, gym, and heavy work. Treated with respect, it will continue to glow for another hundred years.
Provenance & authenticity. I am an experienced seller of vintage and antique jewelry with a special love for early paste and Georgian/Victorian styles. I describe pieces plainly, test responsibly, and photograph in high resolution so you can judge with confidence. This ring is sold as gilt base metal with a glass/paste stone; no claim is made of solid gold or natural aquamarine. It’s the beauty, age, and design that make it special.
Shipping & packaging. The ring will be safely boxed and shipped with tracking. I pack like I’m sending it to family—because I want it to arrive ready to wear and enjoy.
Returns & confidence. I’m a small-town, straight-shooting seller who treats people the way I want to be treated. If the piece isn’t what you hoped for, I accept returns per policy—no drama, just kindness. Please read, zoom, and ask questions before you bid; I’m always happy to help.
A final word. If you’ve been waiting for an antique blue-stone ring with poetry in its bones—one that looks like it stepped out of an old sepia photograph—this is it. The tall clawed basket, glowing gilt petals, and tranquil blue oval make a combination that’s getting harder to find, especially in a larger size. Add it to your collection and let it be your daily reminder that beauty lasts when it’s made with heart.
Era: Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1880–1910)-
Material: Gilt brass / pinchbeck (not solid gold)
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Main Stone: Paste (glass), light sky-blue, approx. 14×10 mm
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Ring Size: US 8.75–9 (approx.)
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Setting: Tall scalloped basket with claw prongs; foliate/rococo shoulders
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Condition: Antique wear—abrasions to stone, expected gilding rub, secure setting
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Occasion: Everyday vintage, statement, stacking, gift for antique-jewelry lover
