Gorgeous early 1900s solid 18k White Gold filigree Engagement ring with a beautiful .17 carat H-color and VS2-clarity old mine cut natural Diamond in a 4-prong setting. Stamped '18' right where the ring was sized up to 8.5 at some point, this wonderful antique ring is showing some of its age. The sizing was not done particularly well - soldered more for security and wearability than for looks, and in the area at the top of the finger, one side of the filigree is showing more wear than the other, likely from being worn up against a band. The Diamond and areas surrounding it are in excellent condition, so the ring shows on your finger spectacularly.

Mine-cut Diamonds, prevalent from the 18th to late 19th centuries, are characterized by their handcrafted nature, often resulting in a soft cushion or squarish outline, a high crown, small table, deep pavilion, and a distinctive large, often visible culet. They were designed to sparkle under candlelight, exhibiting a softer, more romantic glow with broader flashes of light and often warmer color tones. In contrast, modern cuts, particularly the round brilliant, are precisely engineered using advanced technology like lasers and computer-aided design to maximize brilliance, fire, and scintillation.