Carnelian Ring Appraisal

Vintage Gold and Carnelian Marquise Ring

This is a vintage statement ring featuring a vertically oriented, elongated marquise-cut natural carnelian gemstone. The carnelian displays a translucent, saturated burnt-orange to reddish-brown hue, characteristic of high-quality chalcedony. It is securely held within a yellow gold setting by four prominent V-shaped prongs at the cardinal points, specifically protecting the delicate tips of the stone. The ring's shoulders exhibit a unique bifurcated or 'split' design with stylized decorative elements that appear to be modeled after organic or mid-century modern aesthetic forms, perhaps representing small floral or abstract globule accents. The metal has a high-polish finish with a warm, deep yellow color, suggesting a gold content of 14k or 18k. Regarding condition, the stone appears intact without visible surface fractures, though there is a slight dullness to the polish suggestive of light wear. The mounting shows minor surface scratches consistent with use over several decades. Based on the construction and stone cut, this piece likely dates from the late 1960s to the 1980s. The overall craftsmanship is refined, with symmetrical proportions and a clean setting that emphasizes the elongated silhouette of the wearer's finger.