Antique marquise ring with rubies, emeralds & diamonds, Paris circa 1900

"Rings are worn throughout with very high decorations covering almost the entire third phalanx. Naturally, half-gloves without fingers are chosen, which are offered in an extremely large selection." - This was reported in the German magazine Schmuckellerie und Mode in September 1901. Rings in a pointed oval, so-called marquise shape, which cover almost an entire finger phalanx, became an integral part of the fashionable jewelry wardrobe in the 1890s and remained so until the 1910s. This example is unusual both in its design and in its combination of materials and appealed particularly to modern wearers who were sympathetic to the avant-garde trends in fashion. As with so many other rings of this type, the typical basic shape of the ring is made of gold covered in silver and set with shimmering rose diamonds. In between, however, two snake-shaped ornaments of gold wind their way: one set with red rubies, the other with green emeralds. They act as a kind of yin and yang, complementary forces, especially when you consider the significance of the gemstones: the fiery red ruby was regarded as the gemstone of passion, while the emerald was said to have calming and healing powers. The ring was created in France around 1900. It is in very good condition and a beautiful, unusual piece of jewelry from an already exciting time.

Estimate:£2,077.17

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