Old 18 Karat ring. => 7 photos

 This ring was crafted in Russia many decades ago, with the "Hammer & Sickle" trademark and is (750) 18K gold. 

 These are the two identification numbers that the manufacturer used for their records.

 These claws are holding the 'thick' stone as best as possible under the circumstances.

 The girdle of the stone IS NOT UNIFORM IN ITS WIDTH, and this can be a major problem during the stone setting procedure.

  In this photo of the Girdle, the girdle appears to be 'moderately thin'. The gemstone setter must have had a challenge deciding where to place the stone and into which series of claws to set it.

 

 Why is this ring so interesting? It's unusual to see a ring with 14 claws holding the Amethyst center stone.

 The 'Fish -Tail' setting appears to be VERY WELL CRAFTED & DESIGNED.

 This process of stone setting, in my estimation, has been 'A WORK OF ART'.

                     ---------------------------------------------------

The thickness of the 'Crown & Table Facets' then thin on the other side must have been an ongoing challenge to the setter. 

 He had to be rather careful in placing the stone into the claws and making allowances for the odd-shaped faceting that took place.

 I know from the history of earlier faceting programs. Most, or all of the gemstones were 'hand faceted', thus leaving much to today's setter's ability in setting these odd-shaped stones.

   I know for a fact that all of the areas of this ring were polished BEFORE THE CENTER STONE WAS SET.