A fabulous early Australian ring by one of our finest jewellery firms - Johnson And Simonsen / H. Simonsen Pty Ltd 1895-1927.

Crafted from 18ct rose gold and designed in the ever popular ‘half hoop’ five stone style.
Alternating natural blue Ceylon type round faceted Sapphires which are velvety rich blue, and diamonds, in a low rise very wearable finger hugging style, and pairs perfectly with other bands and rings.

Of note is the use of both a round brilliant-cut and an old Mine-cut diamond.  We firmly believe this is original as there is no evidence of work or repairs to the claws holding either diamond.  The old Mine-cut has a ‘warmer’ colour which is more evident in the photos than to the naked eye, noting for accuracy only.

With crisp clear hallmarks for Johnson and Simonsen to the inside of the comfortable half round shank, this superb antique Australian half hoop is a mist for the discerning jewellery connoisseur.

STONES
Sapphire 
1 x approx 4.04mm / 0.34ct
2 x approx 3.67mm / 0.24ct each
Total sapphire weight estimated in settings 0.82ct

Diamond
1 x early round brilliant-cut - 3.25mm / 0.10ct
Colour H-I - Clarity SI2

1 x old Mine-cut - 3.18mm / 0.14ct 
TDW estimated settings 0.24ct
Colour L-M - Clarity SI2

MEASUREMENTS
East to west - 1.7cm
Width - 4.57mm
Rise - 3mm

WEIGHT
2.67 Grams

ERA
Edwardian 1901-1915

MARKS
Fully hallmarked for manufacture by Johnson And Simonsen 
‘Compass and Square’ symbol used by Johnson and Simonsen 
’18’ for 18ct gold
‘Sailing ship’ symbol guarantee mark used by members of the Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victoria 

SIZE 
P or 17.9mm diameter US 7 3/4
Could be resized up 4, down 3-4 with any competent jeweller. 

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition.  No chips or abrasions to Sapphires, well set in their original claws and secure.  Diamonds are lovely, there is one minuscule flea bite to the early round brilliant cut beneath a claw, noting for accuracy only, eye clean and can only be seen under x10 loupe magnification.  No repairs.  No thinning to shank, hallmarks are very crisp and clear.  A stunning antique Australian ring.

HISTORY OF JOHNSON AND SIMONSEN (1895 - 1914) & H SIMONSEN PTY LTD (1914 - 1927)

The firm of Johnson and Simonsen was established at Swanson Street, Melbourne in 1895 and subsequently beech ‘H. Simonsen Pty Ltd from 1914 to 1927.
They moved to Bourke Street and finally to 25 Little Collins Street.

Jewellers, gem merchants and importers Simonsen became one of the major jewellery manufacturers in Melbourne.  The standard mark of Johnson and Simonsen, then H. Simonsen Pty Ltd was a “Square and Compass” used in conjunction with the guarantee marks of the M.J.A.of Victoria.

Credit: Australian Jewellers: Gold & Silversmiths Makers & Marks. Cavill, Cocks & Grace