French Art Nouveau Figural Ring

An iconic example of French Art Nouveau jewellery, this sculptural statement ring was made in Paris and dates to circa 1910. This unusual figural ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features two relief rendered faces pressed up against each other kissing. The image seamlessly blends into the shoulders with floral motifs.

This figural ring is an example of the kind of jewels on display at the ‘Exposition Universelle’ which took place in Paris in the year 1900. The world witnessed a grand display of Art Nouveau jewels, objects and architecture at the exhibition which took natural forms or objects and turned them into expressions of abstract ideas - beauty, the eternal and the feminine. The depiction of women in Art Nouveau jewellery was simultaneously eroticised and romanticised, perhaps a reaction to the changing role of women at the time, most notably aligning with the Suffragette movement. It is therefore unsurprising that most avid wearers of this type of jewellery were wealthy but bohemian women of the time, including actresses like Sarah Bernhardt and La Belle Otero as well as socialites like Countess Greffulhe!

UK size N, US size 6.75

The ring weighs 6.77 grams, the outer shank is stamped with a French ‘owl’ control mark indicating 18K gold. The head measures 13mm north to south at the front of the ring, and the shank is 4mm at the back. The ring is in great condition and perfectly embodies the principles of the Art Nouveau movement.