Carnelian Claddagh Ring

In this report compiled by Kaisilver, we return to June 2011, when divers working with Mel Fisher’s Treasures recovered a remarkable seventeenth-century jewel from the seabed off the Florida Keys. The discovery took place at the wreck site of the Spanish treasure ship Nuestra Señora de Atocha, which sank during a hurricane in 1622. After spending centuries beneath the ocean, the jewel emerged as a tangible link to an era of Spanish maritime trade, precious metals and finely crafted personal ornaments. It is important to state that Kaisilver, has no commercial interest in this centuries old antique ring. Our intention is to share some very interesting and intriguing points related to this incident. Having said that, you are most welcome to email us at sales@kaisilver.com if you have any questions related to gems and jewelry. You will not be pushed to make any purchase from us, so we suggest that you take full advantagte of our expertise. 

GOLD JEWELRY: Given the volatility in gold prices, the Kaisilver team will re-calculate all gold jewelry prices, at the time that we receive your query. Please keep this in mind when you refer to the price tables, displayed on our product pages. The updated price will be sent to you the moment, we get your query with details of the item that interests you.

EMERALD RING RECOVERED

The discovery was reported on June 23, 2011. The salvage vessel JB Magruder, under Captain Andy Matroci, was working approximately 35 miles west of Key West when the crew recovered the emerald ring. According to the original announcement from Mel Fisher’s Treasures, it was an entire, original seventeenth-century emerald gold ring with a square emerald gem. The ring was distinguished by an ornate gold band and an unusually large rectangular green gemstone. Professional testing revealed that, the gemstone in the gold ring was a natural, Colombian emerald.

For Kaisilver, the most fascinating aspect of this antique ring is not simply its age or estimated value, but the largely intact condition of the emerald gem. Our experts use the term ‘largely intact’, because the recovered gem was undoubtedly cleaned and treated with natural oils. Given the many valuable treasures that were being transported in the unfortunate Spanish ship, it is fair to presume that the emerald ring was brand new and in pristine condition – four centuries ago.  

EMERALD RING FEATURES

The exterior of the gold band features intricate carved decoration, demonstrating the attention given to ornamentation by the goldsmith who created it centuries ago. Just beneath the emerald, inside the band, are initials that appear to read VRC. These letters offer a possible clue to the identity of the original owner, although they do not establish that person's identity conclusively. In current times it is common for jewelers, to have their own business related initials – imprinted inside the band of rings crafted by them.

The gemstone was reported to measure approximately 2.7 by 2.5 centimeters or 27mm x 25mm, making it an imposing feature of the setting. Gem experts agree that, this is a big emerald given its imposing dimensions. Contemporary reports estimated the weight of the square emerald, to be around ten carats and placed its potential value at approximately US$500,000. This was an estimate announced at the time of discovery, rather than a confirmed sale price.

IN THE OCEAN FOR CENTURIES

The circumstances of its recovery make this emerald ring particularly intriguing. It had remained at the wreck site for nearly four centuries, exposed to seawater, marine deposits and changing underwater conditions. The gold structure and surviving gemstone provide a glimpse of the craftsmanship and materials available to affluent owners in the early seventeenth century. As Kaisilver observes, the survival of an elaborate jewel in such circumstances, is a reminder that historical objects can preserve remarkable evidence of earlier jewelry-making traditions.

The ship itself was carrying treasure across the Atlantic when disaster struck in 1622. Its loss became part of the long history of Spanish treasure fleets navigating dangerous waters between the Americas and Europe. The eventual recovery of the antique ring in 2011 represented another significant discovery in the continuing exploration of the Atocha wreck site.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RING

An important question concerns what happened to the jewel after it was brought ashore. The original announcement from Mel Fisher’s Treasures estimated the value of the centuries old emerald gold ring, at more than US$500,000. The available contemporary reporting does not establish that the ring was subsequently sold. Nor does the discovery announcement provide a confirmed auction date or final transaction price. It would therefore be misleading to describe it as an emerald ring, that was definitely sold in a specific year.

The information about this emerald gold ring from Kaisilver, focuses on the documented discovery rather than speculation about its later ownership. The initials inside the band, the carved gold exterior and the gemstone's impressive dimensions remain the defining characteristics of the jewel. Together, they distinguish this historic object from a modern reproduction. High value assets like this emerald gold ring, are generally sought after by big budget collectors or other wealthy individuals. This is a clientele that is highly knowledgeable about, verifying authenticity, checking legal status of a prospective purchase etc.

WHO IS KAISILVER

Leading the online high end custom jewelry sector for over 2 decades, Kaisilver expertly handcrafts all types of jewelry in gold or silver. By maintaining the same high standards for gold and silver jewelry, we remain the preferred source for fine custom jewelry. Over 12,000 gem and jewelry lovers across 15 nations wear jewelry crafted by the skilled artisans at Kaisilver Thailand. Email us at sales@kaisilver.com if you need any information or suggestions, related to all aspects of gemstones and jewelry. 

We mentioned that claddagh rings can be ordered with all gemstone options, this applies to all custom made jewelry provided by Kaisilver. Networked to all major gem mining and cutting operations across the globe, we have preferential access to over 200 million carats of gemstones. This ensures that you always get the best gemstone at each price point. 

HOW TO ORDER

Whether it is the RG715 claddagh carnelian ring or any other jewelry that you need, we suggest that you discuss all your requirements with the experts at Kaisilver. High end jewelry was never meant to be purchased in an impulse. Let us have the item number of the item that interests you, include images or sketches if you would like us to work with your own design. All jewelry can be crafted in gold or silver, with the gems of your choice. 

The team at sales@kaisilver.com will provide information regarding the jewelry, production times, modes of payment and shipping details. You can ask as many questions as you wish and you are not obligated, to make any purchase from us. We accept payments through Paypal, bank transfer and Western Union. With Paypal increasing fees to the receiver, we prefer bank transfers but, leave the final decision to you. 

KAISILVER REVIEWS 

Sheila here, I am absolutely delighted with the set of jewellery, they are better than i expected.....they are gorgeous and i would love to keep them for myself. i may have to treat myself in the new year...may I say thanks for all the after sales care and excellent service.....Many thanks, happy xmas, happy new year. Ms.Shiela Richardson, Yorkshire, U.K.

To everyone at Kaisilver ..... thank you so much. I received the pendant on the same day as my daughter's birth - which was perfect, as it is a gift to my wife for the delivery. The pendant is beautiful, exactly as described, and is loved by my wife! She was quite impressed and loves the fact that the piece was custom-made for her. As you know, you were the only people I found who were able to acquire a large enough garnet, cut to my specifications, and fashion into the pendant I pictured in my mind. Thank you for your willingness to accommodate my requirements, patience with my hesitation to use an out-of-country jeweler, and general helpfulness. Mr.Rick Underwood CA, U.S.A.

When I ordered the ring I was a little concerned that it will actually arrive. After all, if they didn't send it what could I do from Mexico? Anyway, my worries went away with the excelent, personal, one on one service that Ms Nok and Ms. Tuk give. They let you know everything that's going on and are very open people. When my girfriend (now my fiance) saw the ring She absolutly loved it. They didn't seem anxious to sell me their most expensive thing, or to take advantge of me, they truly cared for my needs. Mr.Cesar Coll Alfeiran, Mexico.