Unusual Carved Green Agate and Onyx Ring, c. 1930s

A large green agate, cut into a cushion-shaped cabochon, is at the center of this ring. Not entirely transparent, but not entirely opaque either, it appears to glow as if from within, depending on the incidence of light. Its surface is decorated with finely carved flowers. The stone is representative of the modern, trend-setting ideals of many goldsmiths of the early 20th century: semi-precious stones, which were not primarily characterized by their material preciousness but above all by their aesthetic appeal, were now also chosen as the protagonists of high-quality creations. The stone is held securely by four prongs. The shoulders of the ring are also part of the showpiece: two trapezoids made of black onyx provide additional tension here and give the piece of jewellery a surprisingly modern look. The ring's main stone is also very much in keeping with the times. Carved gemstones were increasingly set into wonderful pieces of jewellery from the 1920s onwards. The ring, which was created around 1930, has been very well preserved. We were able to discover it in the Netherlands, where it was hallmarked in accordance with local laws. With its fine workmanship and unusual design, it still makes us dream of a time when beauty was the highest ideal.

Estimate:£1,095.76

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