This lovely antique solitaire ring dates to the late 19th century and is crafted in 14K gold. In the centre rests a bezel set purple paste stone surrounded on both sides by floral branches chased into the ring and the leaves are overlayed in green gold. The decoration continues down the shoulder and terminates in a smooth, tapering band.

UK size K, US size 5.25, the ring weighs 1.83g, unmarked but tests as 14K gold.

Paste jewellery is a special type of flint glass that emulates a number of gemstones. It was very popular in the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods. Green gold was mostly in the late 1800's by adding silver as well as cadmium to yellow gold.

The ring is in excellent overall condition and the round cut purple paste may be a later replacement. The front of the bezel measures 6mm at its widest, and tapers down to 2mm across at the back of the ring. The paste measures 3mm in diameter.