Antique Georgian Ring gold silver diamonds royal blue paste big statement (7461)

Antique Georgian long navette ring.  18k gold, silver diamonds and blue paste. Made late 18th century. See below for origin.

Measurements: Weight is 10.6 grams.  A little over 1 1/2 inches long (4cm). US size 7 1/4 (can be resized).  

Description : A very royal blue ring, navette shaped, diamonds set in silver forming patterns on the shiny blue surface. 
This is an exceptionally long and elegant example of 'bagues de firmament' (see below).
An elongated oval, called boat or navette shape. The border is a ring of simply rosecut diamonds, set in silver. These diamonds are closely set and while each is a slightly different shape (during the 18th century there was no technology to make gems identical), the settings are beautifully made and matched.

The arching oval ground enclosed in a gold band, with a shimmering effect - like looking through gleaming water.  The centre with a flower-form composed of diamonds. The middle is actually a pair of diamonds set close together, looking as one. Additional diamonds set in geometric patterns scattered towards either side. 

Fully enclosed in gold at the back. A simple shank with three branched gold shoulders. 

The combination of gold, silver, diamonds and blue grounds has rightfully been admired for centuries. This example, with it's extreme elegance and size is a particularly beautiful example. Very well made, it is as wearable today as it was 250 years ago.  

Marks and Metal:  As expected of jewelry from this era, there are no marks. Gold was electronically tested as at least 18k.    

Condition: Good with light wear commensurate with age and use.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

THE STORY: 
Origin: I bought this ring in Barcelona, Spain. The seller, who is a multi-generational collector, insisted it was Spanish. Similar rings were made in both Great Britain and France, where they were originally given as gifts from one member of the Royal family to another. Hence the name 'Royal Blue'. 
  
In the book Georgian Jewellery 1714 - 1830, Ginny Redingten Dawes and Olivia Collings tell us that in 1775 these royal blue enamelled and diamond rings became popular with British royalty. A number of similar examples are illustrated including an example made in France, where the fashion caught on and where they were known as 'bagues de firmament'.  Literally translates to “rings of the heavens”. The blue enamel was intended to evoke the night sky, and the diamonds the stars.

Many of these rings were navette shaped, such as this one. However, most examples we have seen were enamelled, while this example appears to be paste over enamel/blue foil. This gives it a particularly fascinating sheen.