Provenance

Made in France c.1915, this Art Nouveau ring is nothing short of spectacular. Set to centre with a round old-cut diamond with exceptional colour and symmetry, claw set in an open-back setting. Dramatically unfurling from the central stone are two diamond-set panels, one going up the finger, the other flowing downwards to the knuckle. They take the form of stylised scrolling wings that terminate in 

The base of each wing is channel set with calibre cut rubies. They have an astonishingly vibrant raspberry red hue and have been ingeniously cut to sit on perfect tension with one another. The natural rubies are Burmese, unheated and have a captivating glow that comes alive when turned. Six in total with a combined weight of 0.80ct; surrounded by a gold millegrain edge border.

The scrolling terminations of each wing feature twenty old-cut diamonds in total, perfectly matched in colour and clarity and grain set in platinum, surrounded by millegrain borders. Seen from profile, the gallery is nearly entirely closed but tiny apertures have been pierced into the collet to allow light to pass through the gemstones. However, upon turning the ring upside down to see underneath, it features an incredibly intricate design made to resemble individual feathers. The shoulders are solid and further set with three old-cut diamonds each, six in total, grain-set with millegrain edge borders. Leading to a solid 18ct yellow gold band.

This ring possesses a theatrical flair and flamboyance that is utterly evocative of its era. Whilst it retains many of the hallmarks of early 20th century jewellery such as the elongated silhouette, delicate open-work, platinum settings and yellow gold band, its design recalls the lyrical extravagance and sensuality of the Art Nouveau movement.

There is something irresistibly celebratory about this ring that conjures the movement of ostrich feathers drifting across the stage of a grand early 20th century theatre production; dramatic, elegant, and entirely captivating.

The Stones

• Principal diamond weight: 0.95 to 1ct
• Principal diamond size: Length 6.5mm; Width 6.5mm; Depth 3.5mm
  
• Total diamond weight: 1.75ct
• Total ruby weight: 0.80ct
• Rubies: Natural unheated rubies, Burmese origin.

The Band

• Metal Composition: 18ct yellow gold
• Hallmarks: Marked with the French mark denoting 18ct yellow gold; an eagles head.

The Ring Overall

• Front Head Dimensions: Length 22.1mm; Width 19.2mm (including shoulders)
• Height of Setting: 6.1mm
  

General Wear & Condition

• Excellent: minor wear commensurate with age. All stones are secure and well set, with no damage to the mount. Professionally polished and carefully inspected by our workshop, ready to wear and enjoy.

Unless stated otherwise, gem weights and specifications are estimated (assessed in mount).