Antique Belle Epoque - Art Deco ring. 18k yellow gold, sapphire, seed pearls. Made in England. Circa 1910-1920's.
Measurements:
Weight is 4.2 grams. US size 8.75. Cushion shaped sapphire weighs approximately 0.25ct.
Description :
Navette or marquise shaped ring. The ground of the bezel (top) is finely pave-set with seed pearls that follow the shape of the ring and are graduated in size. In the center is a small, but wonderful blue sapphire with intense, velvety coloring. The contrast between the strength of the sapphire and the gleaming pearls works very well.
Like many Victorian and early 20th century rings, the bezel is raised above the level of the finger by a gold openwork gallery. This allows light to enter from behind and shows off the intense blue color of the sapphire.
A simple gold band leads to a pair of ridges followed by trifurcated (three-branched) shoulders. (3 branches). These meet and rest on the openwork gallery.
Marks and Metal:
The inside of the shank has a series of English hallmarks, but they are too worn to read.
Gold electronically tested as 18k.
Condition:
Wear commensurate with age and use especially to the hallmarks, as mentioned above. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions, which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
The navette shape was a favorite from the late Victorian period through the Belle Epoque. The word is French for “little boat,” and it is also the name of the weaver’s shuttle, both of which share its slender, pointed form. The same shape is known as the marquise, and a much-repeated legend says that Louis XV of France had a stone cut to resemble the smiling lips of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. Whether or not the story is true, the elegant elongated outline flatters the finger and has never lost its appeal.
While there is no way of knowing for certain, the fine workmanship and the choice of sapphire and pearls suggest that this ring was a gift of love, perhaps an engagement ring, for a young woman of some means.
Blue and white was a favorite combination of the period, and sapphire, long a symbol of faithfulness and truth, made a popular choice for engagement rings, while pearls stood for purity.
