A Stunning 16.12 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring
Featuring a central oval natural stone 16.12 carat Emerald, oil treated, length 20.26mm: width 14.50mm: depth 7.5mm, transparent, medium to intense color, two trillion cut 1.08 carat diamonds, four marquise 1.48 carat, forty-six full cut 1.50 carat diamonds, sixteen straight baguette diamonds 0.90 carat Size 10

It is said that the huge Cabochon Emerald set in gold was originally a pendant on a gold chain presented to the infamous Lillie Langtry by Prince Paul Esterhazy of Hungary. After his death in 1898 it was reported the Prince had secretly wed Langtry after she divorced her legal husband. She had been the preferred mistress of "Bertie" son of Queen Victoria and later King Edward VII for years, but also had suitors from other noble houses. The pendant was returned to the Esterhazy estate after the Prince's death. It was restyled into a man's ring when baguettes were introduced in combination with a variety of interesting diamonds of various cuts and was worn by a bon vivante in the roaring 1920's. The ring was built around the original pendant in a platinum setting and was a show-stopper must see in British, American, and European society.

Purchased: Christie's