ZHIVA
Victorian Chester 1870 Old Mine Cut Diamond Belcher Buttercup 18k Gold Ring
One old mine diamond, held in a buttercup of 18k gold, hallmarked Chester 1870
- One of one
- Authenticated
- Insured shipping
Questions about this piece? Email sasha@zhivajewelry.com — a real person answers.
- Era: Victorian, circa 1870
- Assay: Chester, England
- Style: Belcher / buttercup solitaire
- Centre stone: Old mine cut diamond, 0.50 ct, K colour, SI2 clarity
- Metal: 18k gold
- Total weight: 8.2 grams
- Ring size: 9 — can be resized within reason
- Hallmarks: Full British hallmarks, 18k, Chester 1870
- Condition: Antique; wear consistent with age
- Availability: One of one
A single old mine cut diamond, pinched into a buttercup of 18k gold and hallmarked Chester, 1870. This is a belcher ring — the old English solitaire, the diamond gripped in claws cut straight from the band itself, sitting low and solid instead of raised on a setting.
The stone is hand‑cut, from before machines standardized sparkle: a warm K colour with the chunky facets and soft glow of an old mine, catching light like candle‑flame rather than a strobe. At 8.2 grams it has real heft — this was built to be worn hard, every day, by someone who never took it off.
Chester's assay office closed in 1962, so its marks only ever appear on pieces like this — genuinely old, genuinely English. More than 150 years on, the diamond still holds, the gold still glows, the wear only makes it truer.
One of one. Size 9, and it can be resized within reason.
Sizing & Resizing
The size of this piece is listed in the specifications above. Most antique rings can be resized by one to two sizes; some cannot, because of eternity settings, engraving, or fragile shanks.
Tell us your size before or after you order and we will confirm what is safely possible for this piece. Resizing is quoted per piece and typically takes 7–10 business days.
Shipping
Complimentary fully insured shipping within the United States, sent signature-required. Orders ship within 1–3 business days unless the piece is being sized or inspected.
International shipping is available on request. Duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.
Returns
Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery, provided the piece comes back unworn and in its original condition and packaging.
Resized, engraved, and bespoke pieces are final sale. Contact us before returning anything so we can arrange insured return shipping.
Authenticity & Condition
Every piece is examined in person before it is listed. Era, metal, stone weights, and condition are described as accurately as we can determine them, and any wear or repair is disclosed in the listing.
Antique jewelry carries its history. Small signs of a long life are expected, not defects.
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