Estate · New York City · July 2026
Amethyst & Diamond Estate Ring
We paid $2,150
- Office
- New York City (47th Street)
- Era
- Retro, c. 1940–1948
- Center stone
- Natural amethyst, approx. 18 ct, deep Siberian-type color
- Diamonds
- Single cuts, approx. 0.35 ct total
- Metal
- 14K rose gold
What it was
A bold Retro cocktail ring in 14K rose gold: a large step-cut amethyst set in a scrolled, buckle-form mounting with single-cut diamond accents. American-made, unsigned, in original unrestored condition with the original stone.
How we evaluated it
The construction — heavy rose gold, sculptural scrolls, single-cut rather than modern round diamonds — dated the ring firmly to the 1940s, when platinum was restricted and gold designs grew bold. The amethyst was examined for color and clarity: a deep, evenly saturated purple with red flashes, the “Siberian” color that commands a premium among amethysts, and clean. Amethyst is not an expensive material, but a stone of this color and size in a period mounting is a different thing from a commercial amethyst. The rose gold was tested and weighed.
How it was priced
Three ways, as with every estate piece. Scrap value (gold plus a nominal amount for the stone) was the lowest. Component value was slightly higher. The value as a finished Retro cocktail ring, against comparable dealer and auction results, was clearly highest — the design and condition are exactly what collectors of Retro jewelry want — and that is what we paid.
What this means for other sellers
A ring like this brought to a scrap buyer would have been offered the gold weight. The design and the period are where the value was. If a piece is old and well made, take it to a buyer who handles estate jewelry and ask them to price it as a piece.
Amounts reflect the live market, condition, and the item’s specifications on the day of purchase. Similar items may be offered more or less. No customer information is shown.