Antique Georgian ring. Gold, silver, diamonds, amethyst. Made in the Unite Kingdom, late 18th century.
Measurements:
Weight is 1.8 grams. Approximately US size 5 1/2.
Description :
Classic Georgian ring, often worn stacked in groups. The center of the bezel is a rectangular amethyst in a gold close-backed mount. The back of the mount has the fluted, shell shape that is almost a signature of Georgian jewelry. Amethyst is flat, step-cut. On either side of the sapphire, forming part of the shoulders, is a simply rose-cut diamond set in silver followed by openwork scrolling foliage, also in silver. The silver section is flanked on either side by gold forks of the shank that form an openwork, kite-shaped gold 'cage' around the silver. Beneath this, moving back on the shank is a section of moulded gold followed by a pair of inverted 'c's or an x and this in turn followed by the rest of the band with simple fluting on the side.
A rare and very pretty example of this kind of ring that was so popular during the 18th century. They were worn on any and every finger. These versatile and beautiful rings can be seen in surviving portraits of wealthy women. A variety of these rings, including a similar one to this is shown in the book Georgian Jewellery 1714 - 1830 by Ginny Redington Dawes and Olivia Collings (page 32).
Marks and Metal:
No marks. Gold was electronically tested as 15k on bezel (top) and back almost the same (15k - high 14k).
Condition:
As expected, minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
During the Georgian era, wearing jewels especially made for the day became more popular than ever before. These versatile rings that look so good on the finger, are often to be seen in paintings and were worn on every finger, sometimes singly and sometimes stacked. We can imagine the women who, for so many generations over the last 250 years enjoyed and took care of this ring. The ring is a physical bond between these generations of women. You can be the next link in this chain of woman who wore it and who will wear it in future generations.
NOTE on color: the amethyst looks brighter in some of the 'photos than in reality.
