Antique French Cluster Ring

A charming early 19th century French cluster ring, dating to around 1810.

The ring is centred by a rose-cut diamond, set in silver to enhance its brightness, and surrounded by a halo of vivid green pastes. 

The surrounding green stones are known as “pastes.” Paste jewellery, or “strass,” was developed in France in the mid-18th century by Georges Frédéric Strass, a jeweller to the French court. Crafted from finely cut and polished flint glass, paste was designed to imitate precious gemstones, and when first introduced it was highly sought after for its brilliance and novelty. In fact, at the height of its popularity it could command prices rivaling, and sometimes exceeding, natural stones due to the technical skill and cost involved in its manufacture.

Paste jewels were particularly favoured among the French aristocracy; figures such as Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour were known to wear elaborate paste creations. 

Further rose-cut diamonds are set to the shoulders. Crafted in 18K gold with silver settings for the diamonds. 

UK size N, US size 6.25

Weight 2.98 grams

A lovely and wearable example of early 19th century French jewellery, combining diamonds and paste in a style once at the height of fashion.