7.70ct Zambian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring, 1960s

A spectacular Zambian emerald and diamond cluster cocktail ring, circa 1960. This jewel features a certified Zambian emerald with a coveted medium-dark bluish-green colour double-talon-claw-set to the centre, surrounded by ten round brilliant-cut diamonds and eight baguette-cut diamonds claw-set in an openwork fluted collet, leading to tri-part shoulders that flow into a solid D-shape platinum shank. This ring is a finger size S but could be sized to order. Gross weight: 13.40g. Portuguese hallmarks active 1938-1985 for platinum and fine jewellery. The emerald is accompanied by a GCS certificate stating it is 7.70 carats, of Zambian origin. The round brilliant-cut diamonds are approximately 3.0 carats in total, F/G colour, VVS/VS clarity. The baguette-cut diamonds are approximately 0.56 carats in total, F/G colour, VVS/VS clarity.

Colombian emeralds have a history that dates back long before the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in South America in the 16th century and started trading the gems with the Indian Moghuls. Zambian emeralds are much younger, discovered in the 1920s, but not properly mined until the 1970s. And they soon gained popularity for their incredible colour and quality. In fact, Zambian emeralds are said to have a cooler, more bluish green colour and fewer inclusions than Colombian emeralds.