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A rare and striking antique French Art Nouveau figural ring, crafted in 18K gold and dating to circa 1900. The ring is set with a magnificent natural sapphire weighing approximately 4.8cts, displaying superb clarity and a luminous light-blue colour. The sapphire is notable for its hand-cut facets and ever-so slightly off-centre culet; characteristics which strongly suggest the stone predates the ring itself and was likely repurposed from an earlier family heirloom, a practice not uncommon in turn-of-the-century Parisian atelier work.The sculptural gold mount is deeply chased and exceptionally detailed, depicting two nude female figures intertwined within scrolling foliage and floral motifs. This figural treatment is a quintessential expression of the Art Nouveau aesthetic, celebrating the female form and organic naturalism. The influence of contemporary artists such as Alphonse Mucha is evident in the elongated forms and flowing lines, placing the ring firmly within the artistic milieu of Belle Époque Paris and the wider vogue surrounding the 1900 Exposition Universelle.The ring is substantial in hand, weighing an impressive 18.52 grams, yet remains well balanced and comfortable to wear with excellent finger coverage. It is stamped with the French eagle head hallmark, confirming Parisian manufacture in 18K gold; a partially obscured lozenge-shaped maker’s mark is present but is hard to determine the maker. The sapphire is most likely of Sri Lankan origin, consistent with stones of this quality and period. The sapphire measures approximately 12 × 10 × 4.8mm.Condition is excellent overall, with only minor surface rubbing to the high points of the figural details, entirely commensurate with age. A museum-quality example of Art Nouveau jewellery and without doubt one of the finest figural rings of its type we have handled.UK size O; US size 7.25.
A rare and striking antique French Art Nouveau figural ring, crafted in 18K gold and dating to circa 1900. The ring is set with a magnificent natural sapphire weighing approximately 4.8cts, displaying superb clarity and a luminous light-blue colour. The sapphire is notable for its hand-cut facets and ever-so slightly off-centre culet; characteristics which strongly suggest the stone predates the ring itself and was likely repurposed from an earlier family heirloom, a practice not uncommon in turn-of-the-century Parisian atelier work.
The sculptural gold mount is deeply chased and exceptionally detailed, depicting two nude female figures intertwined within scrolling foliage and floral motifs. This figural treatment is a quintessential expression of the Art Nouveau aesthetic, celebrating the female form and organic naturalism. The influence of contemporary artists such as Alphonse Mucha is evident in the elongated forms and flowing lines, placing the ring firmly within the artistic milieu of Belle Époque Paris and the wider vogue surrounding the 1900 Exposition Universelle.
The ring is substantial in hand, weighing an impressive 18.52 grams, yet remains well balanced and comfortable to wear with excellent finger coverage. It is stamped with the French eagle head hallmark, confirming Parisian manufacture in 18K gold; a partially obscured lozenge-shaped maker’s mark is present but is hard to determine the maker. The sapphire is most likely of Sri Lankan origin, consistent with stones of this quality and period. The sapphire measures approximately 12 × 10 × 4.8mm.
Condition is excellent overall, with only minor surface rubbing to the high points of the figural details, entirely commensurate with age. A museum-quality example of Art Nouveau jewellery and without doubt one of the finest figural rings of its type we have handled.
UK size O; US size 7.25.
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