Garnet and diamond ring, early 20^th century. This cut-cornered rectangular cluster echoes the cut of the central orange stone, which is a variety of garnet known as Spessartine or ‘Mandarin’ garnet, and is the only member of the garnet family to display this striking hue. The millegrain-edged double border is set with early 20^th century circular-cut diamonds. The reverse of this setting is just as beautifully worked as the front, with a hand-pierced gallery of spider-web design, and well-cut apertures for each diamond – a hallmark of the highest-quality early 20^th century workmanship.