While we might be tempted to describe some of these luscious stones as pink sapphires, this beautiful little five stone (or half-hoop) ring dates back to a time when almost all pink sapphires would have been considered rubies. The dividing line between pink sapphires and rubies, both a variety of corundum, is nebulous and unfixed, changing with culture, location, and time period. Made in the early 1800s, and set with 5 graduated, cushion cut corundum (call them sapphires or rubies, they're gorgeous either way) in varying shades of pink and red, this dainty ring is a reflection of one of the most popular trends of the time. While the meaning of the five stones shifted during the century and a half that it was most popular, my favorite interpretation is that they represent the five virtues of a good relationship- love, truth, passion, loyalty, and commitment. The stones are set in closed-back bezels with small points, similar to a collet setting. The ring shank has scroll shaped ornamentation on either side of the settings, as well as at the top and bottom of the settings. While the stones are set in closed back settings, I do not believe that these stones have colored foil backings, and that the color variation is likely just the natural coloration of the stones. During the early 1800s, paler rubies would most likely have come from Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon), though I cannot guarantee any specific place of origin for these stones without a gemological report.
This ring is in excellent condition. The smallest stones measure 3x2 mm, and the largest, center stone measures 4x3 mm. It fits a US size 6.
