Antique Victorian ring. Carved moonstone, 14k yellow gold and enamel. Made in the USA.
Measurements:
Weight is 2.9 grams. US size 6.
Description :
Oval shaped bezel. In the center, prongs hold an oval, carved baby face of a child, cherub or putto. The moonstone is of a very good quality with lovely play of light, emphasizing details on the face as the ring or viewer moves. Clarity and blue adularescence as exhibited in this gem are considered the most desirable qualities in moonstones. Very nice carving of a smiling, childlike face, with great detail in the features and hair.
The carved moonstone is surrounded by a ring of very pretty blue flowers with gold centers - almost certainly forget-me-nots. Forget-me-not flowers were one of the most popular flowers used in Victorian jewelry with their obvious sentimental message of true love and remembrance, and their beautiful coloring.
Simple 14k gold shank.
Marks and Metal:
14.K in the shank.
Condition:
The carved moonstone face is in very good condition. When I loupe the ring from behind, I see a spot of solder on one shoulder/join to the bezel, not visible unless you are looking for it and mentioned for the sake of accuracy (see enlarged pictures). The enamel appears to be in good condition to the naked eye, but with a loupe, there are some petals with slight variations in surface sheen, indicating old restoration. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions, which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
Carved moonstone faces became fashionable in the late 19th century and remained popular through the Edwardian and Art Nouveau periods. Jewelers of that era prized moonstone for its soft, floating glow, known as adularescence, and for its long association with the moon, mystery and love.
Chubby infant faces (putti and cherubs) had been a symbol of love since the Renaissance, through their link with Cupid. A baby face in jewelry carried that meaning of love and affection.
Moonstone has a rich history of legend. The Romans believed it was formed from solidified moonlight and linked it with the moon goddess Diana. In India it was considered sacred, and it was long thought of as a lovers’ stone, said to reunite those who had quarreled and to reveal the future when held in the mouth under a full moon.
Moonstone is a variety of feldspar. Its old name, adularia, comes from the Adula mountains in Switzerland, but most fine gem moonstones of the period came from Ceylon (today’s Sri Lanka), and many of the carved faces were the work of the skilled gem cutters of Idar-Oberstein in Germany. Today a finely carved example like this one, with a charming face and a lively glow, is eagerly sought by collectors and by anyone drawn to romance and mystery.
