Froment-Meurice Antique Ring Steel Gold Figural Nude Mixed Metal Unisex (7120)

Antique Victorian Ring made in France during the reign of Louis Philippe circa 1840's. Made of Steel and gold. Signed by the maker, Francois-Desire Froment-Meurice. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman. Measurements: Weight is 5.7 grams. US size 6.7. Should not be resized. Description : A full-breasted, voluption woman stretches across a large part of the ring. Her long hair flows behind her, a forbear of the Art Nouveau women over half a centruy later. The ring tapers slightly towards the back, the background to the figure. It is cast with scrolling flowers and foliage. Gold highlights. Hand hammering. The value of this ring does not lie in the intrinsic materials, which are almost worthless. The ring is exceptionally rare. It was made by one of the most outstanding, esteemed jewellers/goldsmiths of the 19th century in Paris. While his brooches and bracelets featuring St Cecelia and other Gothic/Renaissance images are a little more common, rings like this appear only in museums. There is another steel and gold ring with figures to be seen in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Despite its rarity and uniqueness, this ring is gorgeous and highly wearable. What a superb wedding ring it would make for either a man or a woman. During the late 19th century, mixed metal objects were created by the leading silversmiths of the day, including Tiffany and Gorham. At least 50 years before that, François-Désiré Froment-Meurice was using different metals to make his exceptional jewelry. Froment-Meurice was known for his Gothic and Renaissance Revival designs. In addition, fabulous nudes comport and stretch along the perimeter of rings and bangles. Marks and Metal: FROMENT MEURICE engraved inside the shank. Condition: Wear commensurate with age. No loss/damage/flaws observed. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer