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This scarce Italian rock crystal cluster ring dates from the early 19th century.
The ring head is comprised of a circular cluster of table-cut rock crystals set above rose-tinted foil to give this fantastic cherry red colour. The gemstones are set in closed-back gilt metal settings. The gold bezel is decorated with cuffed motifs and scrolled shoulders, whilst the underside of the bezel features a domed and fluted back. The ring is typical of Italian traditional jewellery of the late 18th to mid 19th century, and is heavily influenced by jewellery designs of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
A very similar example can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (accession no. 441-1868). It was previously part of the Castellani collection, and was acquired from the Paris International Exhibition in 1867. Another related examples from the British Museum (number: AF.2190) can be seen in the final photo of this listing. Like many traditional Italian rings, the design appears to have some Iberian influence, since regions like Naples and Sicily had been controlled by Habsburg Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the Spanish Bourbon dynasty during the 18th century.
All of the gemstones are in good condition and securely set, and unlike the majority of surviving examples, there is only some light staining and minimal discolouration to the foiling underneath meaning that the stones still retain that fantastic red colour. The condition flaws of this ring can be seen on the edges and underside of the ring where parts of the gold exterior have been lost revealing the base metal. Thankfully these flaws are limited to areas which are not visible when worn. There is also evidence of a historic repair of the gold hoop, which is later replacement, crafted in solid 14K gold and attached to the original shoulders.
UK size M, US size 6.25
The ring weighs 8.66 grams, the band tests as solid 14K gold whilst the head is 18K gilt metal. The central rock crystal has a diameter of 7mm, the bezel measures 20mm across and the band is 2mm wide at the back.
This scarce Italian rock crystal cluster ring dates from the early 19th century.
The ring head is comprised of a circular cluster of table-cut rock crystals set above rose-tinted foil to give this fantastic cherry red colour. The gemstones are set in closed-back gilt metal settings. The gold bezel is decorated with cuffed motifs and scrolled shoulders, whilst the underside of the bezel features a domed and fluted back. The ring is typical of Italian traditional jewellery of the late 18th to mid 19th century, and is heavily influenced by jewellery designs of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
A very similar example can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (accession no. 441-1868). It was previously part of the Castellani collection, and was acquired from the Paris International Exhibition in 1867. Another related examples from the British Museum (number: AF.2190) can be seen in the final photo of this listing. Like many traditional Italian rings, the design appears to have some Iberian influence, since regions like Naples and Sicily had been controlled by Habsburg Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the Spanish Bourbon dynasty during the 18th century.
All of the gemstones are in good condition and securely set, and unlike the majority of surviving examples, there is only some light staining and minimal discolouration to the foiling underneath meaning that the stones still retain that fantastic red colour. The condition flaws of this ring can be seen on the edges and underside of the ring where parts of the gold exterior have been lost revealing the base metal. Thankfully these flaws are limited to areas which are not visible when worn. There is also evidence of a historic repair of the gold hoop, which is later replacement, crafted in solid 14K gold and attached to the original shoulders.
UK size M, US size 6.25
The ring weighs 8.66 grams, the band tests as solid 14K gold whilst the head is 18K gilt metal. The central rock crystal has a diameter of 7mm, the bezel measures 20mm across and the band is 2mm wide at the back.
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