Antique Marquise Ring with 1.24 ct Diamonds in Red Gold, c. 1895

Whether marquise, navette or boat ring - all of these designations refer to the characteristic pointed oval shape, which this ring also has. But why "marquise" in particular? The story goes that the name for this shape first appeared in the Rococo period. Louis XV is said to have commissioned a gemstone cutter to invent a cut that reminded him of the smile of his mistress, the beautiful and influential Marquise de Pompadour. A special type of ring was developed based on the shape of the gemstones cut in this way. This marquise ring sparkles in the light of twenty-one diamonds set close together. Forged from reddish, 14-karat gold, the ring presents the diamonds in airy prong settings. A total of around 1.24 ct of diamonds in historic cuts are set to form an impressive pavée, which reflects the light in a sparkling manner. The center of the composition is occupied by a beautiful old-cut diamond of around 0.22 ct. Rings of this type were popular in the late 19th century, but also up until the Art Deco period. Our example dates from around 1895 and we discovered this well-preserved piece of jewelry in Vienna.

Estimate:£2,030.13

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