Antique Victorian Egyptian Revival ring. 18k yellow gold, diamonds, turquoise, enamel and onyx. French, 19th century. Comes in original fitted ring box. Suitable for a man or a woman (unisex).
Measurements: Bezel is approximately 5/8inches (15mm) front to back. Ring is US size 7.5. Weighs 7 grams.
Figural ring in the form of a Pharaoh or sphynx. The face is carved in black onyx with perfect pharaonic features. The marvellous headdress of diamonds and turquoise set in 18k yellow gold. Turquoise was almost a holy gem for the Ancient Egyptians and the combination and contrast of turquoise, gold and black is very striking. The use of diamonds to enhance and outline sections of the headress is purely 19th century as the Ancient Egyptians did not have or use diamonds. The shoulders of the shank are enamelled in black on 3 sides with hieroglyphic like stymbols in gold.
Marks: French owl hallmark on the outside of the shank. Metal acid tested to ensure purity.
Condition:
The bezel is in great condition. Enamel with very minor wear considering the age and use. The openwork gallery behind the bezel has been soldered and could possibly do with a redo. It is not visible when the ring is worn, but is shown clearly in the photographs. Please see enlarged pictures for details and don't hesitate to ask questions - we will do our best to answer.
The ring comes with its original box. The box is leather on the outside, velvet for the bottom, fitted part and silk above. Horse-shaped. It is a rare form antique ring box, especially shaped to hold a 'taller' ring.
THE STORY:
For hundreds of years, the world has been fascinated with Ancient Egypt.
Following Napoleon Bonaparte's campaigns in Egypt, there was a huge mania for Egypt-related jewelry in France.
With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, there was an even bigger resurgence of this passion. Even jewellers like Castellani, who generally focused on the Ancient Greeks and Etruscans, made fabulous jewelry set with micromosaics as echoes and in homage to the Ancient Egyptians. Most of us will never see a Castellani micromosaic in the Ancient Egyptian style, but there are some available by other makers such as out brooch #6840 with Pharoah portraits. Other fabulous jewels, enamelled, set with gems, in a variety of materials from wood to gold and platinum, show the range of influence of Ancient Egypt.
Louis Comfort Tiffany, who toured in Egypt as a young man was greatly influenced by Ancient Egypt both in his early jewelry and in the making of glass.
Egyptian Revival jewelry received its greates boost after 1922, when Howard Carter discovered King Tutenkhamun's tomb.
Some Egyptian Revival jewelry is accurate in its depiction of hieroglyphics and other Egyptian symbols.
Some of the most interesting jewelry from the late 19th century in this style incorporate actual Ancient Egyptian items - medallions, faience, scarabs into their gold mounts.
Most Egyptian Revival jewels are more decorative, using the symbols of snakes, cats, sphynxes, pharoahs and scarabs in a more decorative fashion.
