DIAMOND-SET DRESS RING,

DIAMOND-SET DRESS RING, CIRCA 1945 - Old brilliant, brilliant and single-cut diamonds, approx. 3.80cts total - Ring size F½ (sizing spring) - Weight approx. 16.5g Footnotes: OVERALL CONDITION Surface wear to unhallmarked yellow metal (testing as 14-15ct gold) in the form of scuffs and scratches to outer hoop, commensurate with wear. DIAMONDS Estimated as I-L colour, SI2-3 clarity, assessed in mount. This condition report is provided for your convenience based on the opinion of our gemmologists. Bonhams is not responsible for any discrepancies between this information and other opinions. Saleroom notices: Provenance: Mary Ponsonby née Munn, Countess of Bessborough (1915-2013) The great-granddaughter of the noted 19th-century Philadelphian banker, Anthony Drexel, Mary Munn married Frederick Edward Ponsonby at the British embassy in Paris in 1948 and this ring dates to this period in the couple's lives. In 1956, Frederick succeeded his father as the 10th Earl of Bessborough. Mary and Frederick discovered the last standing residence of Benjamin Franklin in London and their efforts to restore the once-dilapidated house that had been damaged during World War II, eventually led to the opening of the Benjamin Franklin House Museum on 17th January 2006, marking the 300-year anniversary of Franklin's birth. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing

Saleroom Notice:
Provenance:
Mary Ponsonby née Munn, Countess of Bessborough (1915-2013)
The great-granddaughter of the noted 19th-century Philadelphian banker, Anthony Drexel, Mary Munn married Frederick Edward Ponsonby at the British embassy in Paris in 1948 and this ring dates to this period in the couple's lives. In 1956, Frederick succeeded his father as the 10th Earl of Bessborough. Mary and Frederick discovered the last standing residence of Benjamin Franklin in London and their efforts to restore the once-dilapidated house that had been damaged during World War II, eventually led to the opening of the Benjamin Franklin House Museum on 17th January 2006, marking the 300-year anniversary of Franklin's birth.