French Portrait Miniature Ring
From the Journal
Buying Antique Rings Online: Sizing, Resizing and Wearability
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A late 18th-century French portrait miniature of a gentleman, mounted on a flexible ring of seven gold belcher chains.Portrait rings were mostly sentimental, commissioned and worn by loved ones. Before 1780 they tended to have small oval or round heads; from 1780 to 1800 large octagonal bezels were preferred, giving room for more intricate portraits, and the bezel was curved to follow the finger.Under glass, a somewhat surprised-looking gentleman is painted in warm colours and a naive style. Miniatures were painted with a tiny brush, often by well-known artists of the day.The chains might once have been slightly longer and worn as a bracelet, as was typical in France at the time; links were probably removed in the 19th century so it could be worn as a ring. Unusual, tactile and full of character.Details: miniature late 18th century; France; 18K gold throughout; octagonal miniature 28mm x 18mm; UK Q, US 8½; 10.46g.Condition: Fantastic for its age. On close inspection the portrait has a crack running through the middle; it is held firmly in place under the glass.
A late 18th-century French portrait miniature of a gentleman, mounted on a flexible ring of seven gold belcher chains.
Portrait rings were mostly sentimental, commissioned and worn by loved ones. Before 1780 they tended to have small oval or round heads; from 1780 to 1800 large octagonal bezels were preferred, giving room for more intricate portraits, and the bezel was curved to follow the finger.
Under glass, a somewhat surprised-looking gentleman is painted in warm colours and a naive style. Miniatures were painted with a tiny brush, often by well-known artists of the day.
The chains might once have been slightly longer and worn as a bracelet, as was typical in France at the time; links were probably removed in the 19th century so it could be worn as a ring. Unusual, tactile and full of character.
Details: miniature late 18th century; France; 18K gold throughout; octagonal miniature 28mm x 18mm; UK Q, US 8½; 10.46g.
Condition: Fantastic for its age. On close inspection the portrait has a crack running through the middle; it is held firmly in place under the glass.
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