This 14k yellow gold cigarband-style ring is centered by a round-cut aquamarine of circa 0.30 carat. This stone is encircled by a row of natural seed pearls, which created a flower-like pattern. The ring is further decorated by a royal blue guilloche enamel, encircled by a white enamel band.
Guilloche enamel is an enameling technique, in which the enameled metal is worked with an enginge-turned lathe to form a pattern, prior to the enameling process. This creates a very striking and subtle effect, which is most noticeable when the jewel is turned into light.
Both the design and colour palette of this ring is very typical for the fashions of the late 18th Century. 'Royal blue' enamel became very popular after 1775, when a smooth, translucent hue of blue enamel was developed by London enameller Jusen. Enameled blue jewels were first given amongst royals, which caused the colour to become very popular very quickly, creating the production of not only blue enameled jewelllery, but also cheaper imitations made from bristol glass.
Similar examples of this ring can be found in: Georgian Jewellery 1714-1830, G. Redington Dawes & O. Collings, Suffolk, 2007, page 120.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: US 7.75 / UK P / Circumference 56 mm.
The ring band is 15 mm wide at the front and tapers down to 4 mm at the back.
Weight: 4.84 grams
Age: Late 18th Century, Georgian Era, Circa 1790s.
Material: The ring has no longer has any hallmarks but has been acid tested as being 14k gold.
Condition: This ring is in good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. There is a resizing mark at the back of the shank.
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