프랑스 아르누보 인물 모티프 다이아몬드 반지

An iconic example of French Art Nouveau jewellery, this sculptural statement ring was made in Paris and dates to circa 1900. This unusual figural ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features two highly rendered nude ethereal nymphs who appear to be on a bursting/shooting star. In the centre of the starburst motif rests a bright white 0.35ct Old European cut diamond in a rub over setting.

This scarce 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 M, US size 6.25

The ring weighs a hefty 8.6g, the outer shank is stamped with a French ‘owl’ control mark indicating 18K gold. The bezel measures 18mm north to south at the front, and the shank is 4mm at the back. The diamond has excellent clarity and a bright white colour, gorgeous hand-cut facets and a large cutlet. The ring is in excellent condition and perfectly embodies the principles of the Art Nouveau movement.