The design of this yellow gold ring, decorated with black enamel, was very fashionable in the first half of the 17th Century. The ring shank is decorated with symmetrical motives and tiny flowers. The hexagonal setting has engraved arches which are also filled with enamel, and when you look up close you'll notice a rim of black enameled balls on both sides where the setting meets the shank.
The ring is set with a hexagonal-cut rock crystal with a pointy tip. It was faceted this way to emulate a natural diamond crystal, which in nature is found in a cubic to hexagonal shape. In the 17th Century, diamonds were very rare and not admired for their brilliance -they were barely faceted at that point and were often set in their natural form- but more for their hardness. Diamonds would often be set with their point upwards, so they could also be used as a glass-engraving tool. The back of the setting is engraved with the initials 'AT', which could either be the initials of its owner, or of the gifter of this precious jewel.
This ring is an archeological find from The Netherlands and was registred with PAN (portable antiques network).
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: US 9, UK R 1/2, circumference 59 mm.
I would advise against sizing this ring.
Weight: 3.62 grams.
Age: First half of the 17th Century, 1600 - 1650.
Material: Acid tested as being at least 18k gold.
Condition: This ring is in antique condition, with wear consistent with its age and its background: it was found in a field and likely spend centuries underground. The rock crystal was found tilted in its setting and has been meticulously reset by my jeweler: faint traces of this resetting are still present. Some of the black enamel is either damaged or missing, but all enamel is original and was not restored.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.