{"product_id":"antique-18k-french-perpignan-garnet-navette-ring","title":"Antique 18k French Perpignan Garnet Navette Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eOf all of the regionally specific varieties of garnet, Perpignan garnets are some of the hardest to come by. This beautiful and unusual variety of pyrope-almandine garnet was mined only for a short period, from the 1750s til the early 20th century, in and around the city of Perpignan, France (the historic capital of Northern Catalonia). Ranging in color from strawberry pink to a deep fuchsia reminiscent of raspberries, these special stones were cut in what was known as a Perpignan cut- a type of rose cut that would often feature elongated facets. These pink and red stones would be set in a closed-back setting, with a bright piece of silver, red, or purple foil set behind them (a \u003cem\u003epaillon\u003c\/em\u003e) to enhance their color and glow. This style of ring, often referred to as a navette shape, meaning little boat in French, is one of the most popular styles of jewelry made in Perpignan and the surrounding area.  Due to the incredible demand for these stones during the 18th and 19th centuries, the mines were considered depleted by the middle of the 20th century, and it is now illegal to dig for these beautiful garnets. Because the only remaining examples are antiques, Perpignan garnet jewelry is becoming increasingly rare. This spectacular ring is a perfect example of why these stones are so sought after, with a spectrum of beautiful, deep, pinkish red colors in its halo of 12 round rose cut garnets, an exquisitely cut glittering center stone, and an elegant and ornate saddle or stirrup style band made of a pinkish 18k gold. Stamped with a French horse head hallmark (used for 18k jewelry between 1838 and 1919), this ring likely dates to between the 1840s and 1860s. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ring is in excellent condition. There are minor scuffs on the surface of the center stone, appropriate for its age. It is stamped with a French horse head hallmark for 18k gold, as well as a maker's mark (what appears to be the letters E and M in a diamond shaped lozenge). The center of the ring measures 7\/8\" tall, 1\/2\" wide. It fits a US size 7, European size 54. This ring can be resized up and down a couple of sizes for an additional fee, please \u003ca href=\"mailto:hello@shopmoonhoney.com\"\u003econtact me\u003c\/a\u003e about resizing. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moon Honey","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67634137235629,"sku":null,"price":3580.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/6978\/8589\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_707c5635-4be6-4fb8-8752-7661911d2690.jpg?v=1792882639","url":"https:\/\/shopmoonhoney.com\/products\/antique-18k-french-perpignan-garnet-navette-ring","provider":"Moon Honey","version":"1.0","type":"link"}