A garnet doublet is a made by fusing a thin slice of natural garnet to a colored glass base. Developed in the mid-19th century, the technique allowed jewelers to create ultra-saturated stones at a fraction of the cost of natural gems. Green was the most popular hue, as fine emeralds of any size were rare and expensive. The garnet cap provides hardness and brilliance that gives a "real stone, not glass" realism, and the colored glass below provides vivid, almost electric color. Surround a green garnet doublet with 32 rose cut diamonds and the effect is very convincing. French hallmarks include the owl import mark and the swan mark for silver.
MATERIALS: 18k gold (marked), silver, 32 rose cut diamonds (2mm - 2.5mm), 10.2mm x 8.3mm green garnet doublet
AGE: c. 1900
CONDITION: Very good - table faceted has a few fine scratches; French hallmarks
SIZE: 6.75, can be resized; 1" x 5/8" head