Antique Victorian Art Nouveau Ring 18k gold moonstone satyr Masks French (7403)

Antique Victorian Renaissance / Gothic Revival / Art Nouveau ring. 18k gold and moonstone. Made in France 19th century. Unisex - can be worn by a man or a woman.

Measurements: Weight is 10.4 grams. US size 7.5.

Description : Center of the bezel is colette set with a cabochon moonstone. Forming the shoulders are Renaissance or Gothic Revival masked satyrs - grotesques which we can easily imagine on a French Gothic cathedral or made in a piece of jewelry by the Revivalist Jules Wiese. Openwork, scrolling foliage completes the circle of the ring. The combination of the grotesque mask and foliage is often related to Green Man mythology - a symbol of rebirth, popular since Gothic times. This is a great ring to wear on its own, as a conversation piece or even to stack with other rings. Fascinating and versatile. Suitable for anyone of any age or gender.

Marks and Metal: Horse head mark, used in France for 18k gold between 1838 and 1919. A maker's mark lozenge next to it is not clearly legible. A number engraved inside the shank 2023.

Condition: Wear commensurate with age, but no damage, alterations or restoration. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

THE STORY: During the 19th century, there were a number of artistic movements in France. From the mid century, Jules Wiese and Froment-Meurice championed Gothic and Renaissance Revivals - jewelry with satyrs, masks, grotesques and other figures reminiscent of those periods. Shortly thereafter, towards the end of the 19th century, forward thinkers, movers and shakers of the art and Bohemian world tired of the beautiful, but predictable Classic designs of jewelry. Inspired by the Japanese and elegant artists such as Sarah Bernhardt, the Art Nouveau movement produced fabulous imaginative jewelry - converting the grotesque into the gorgeous. This ring combines all of these elements. It is safe to assume that the original owner was an intellectual, artistic person - a person who would take pleasure in discussing the original and unique themes of this ring with his or her companions. Equally clear is that the ring was worn and enjoyed, probably by multiple generations. Now it is time for the conversation to continue and ensure that the ring progresses into the future.