Antique / Vintage Art Deco ring. 14k yellow and white gold, Mexican fire opal, diamonds and tiny sapphires. Made circa 1925-1930's. Independent appraisal available to new owner.
Measurements:
Weight is 4.2 grams. US size 7. 1.07ct diamonds; 0.12ct sapphires; 2.97ct opal.
Description :
Lushious cushion cut bright orange and glowing fire opal forms the focus of the ring. Rounded top with very gentle facets low down on the crown. Held in a colette, it is surrounded by a ring of old cut diamonds, set in white gold with filigree edges. The outer angles of the diamonds are almost imperceptibly set with sapphires (too small to test).
Mounted above an openwork gallery of white gold.
A simple yellow gold shank.
Marks and Metal:
There is a mark on the outside of the shank and very worn mark on the inside of the shank. Gold was tested as 14k.
Condition:
Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Very close scrutiny shows a spot under the bezel, where the gallery joins the bezel, near one of the shoulders, that is a little bent. This in no way impacts the appearance of the ring and is mentioned only for the sake of accuracy. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
The big innovation of Art Deco jewelry was the use of bold shapes and strong colors, often playing on the contrast between colors for greater impact. The strong orange color of the fire opal is a standout on its own. Blue and orange are complimentary colors that are calculated to draw the eye. This ring very cleverly uses tiny sapphires, to complement the fire opal. They are barely noticeable to the naked eye, which shows the lavish care and craftsmanship of the artist who made this ring.
Note on pictures:
please note that the 'dimple' in the opal is an optical illusion of the camera and does not exist in reality.
Please remember that the pictures are very highly magnified. In reality the sapphires are very tiny and not easily visible with the naked eye.
