Underrated and misunderstood, poor beautiful zircon the natural and dazzling gem is so often lumped in with the wholly unrelated synthetic simulant cubic zirconia. While both are available in many colours (and colourless), both may have you reaching for the sunglasses, and both have been historically used to imitate diamond, that's where the similarities end. Zircon is among the oldest natural gemstones - stones mined in Australia are over 4 billion years old! Typically found in warm hues ranging from champagne to whiskey, earthy reds and greens, and popularly irradiated (naturally or through human intervention) to vivid blues, the stone can also be heat treated for a crisp, colourless variety. The signature visual effect that helps distinguish this stone - beyond its remarkably intense sparkle - is the strong doubling effect seen looking through the stone to its back facets, caused by a high birefringence. 

Very good vintage condition with wear in line with previous use. Some wear to prongs but stone is secure. 

Details:
• 18k yellow and white gold, stamped and tested, with manufacturer's stamps
• Size 6 1/2 - 6 3/4 (slightly out of round) and can be resized within two sizes
• One old European cut natural very faint grey-blue zircon, approximately 2.39 ct
• Face of ring measures 8.5mm wide and 8.5mm across, with a rise of 5.7mm; back of band measures 1.8mm wide and 1.5mm thick
• 2.9g