Antique Scottish Foil Back Amethyst Ring in 18 Carat Gold; Circa 1885

A true showstopper of a Victorian ring. This antique jewel was created in Scotland and hallmarked for Glasgow in 1885 to esteemed Scottish jeweller, watchmaker and silversmith James Crichton & Co. This is a ring that was clearly made to catch the eye, with its theatrical proportions, deep purple gemstones and extraordinarily intricate gold work.

At the centre sits a large pear cut, foil backed amethyst, flanked on either side by two smaller oval amethysts held within smaller claw settings. The rich, deep purple of the stones works beautifully against the warm, buttery 18 carat gold, creating a wonderfully decadent combination. The use of the foil back in the central stone results in a shimmering reflective quality only this setting creates.

The entire setting is decorated with delicate cannetille work. This style is the highly intricate, lace like gold decoration so characteristic of some of the most elaborate Victorian and Georgian jewellery. Fine coils, wires and granulated elements create a three dimensional architecture around the gemstones.

As you might expect from such delicate construction, some elements of the original cannetille work have been lost over the years. We don't feel this detracts from the theatre of the ring; if anything, the surviving decoration gives us a fascinating glimpse of the incredible craftsmanship that went into its creation, while the huge gemstones still command all the attention.

There is something very extravagant about this piece. It feels unmistakably antique with its romantic style and ornate setting made to be noticed.

A spectacular Scottish jewel from 1885, full of drama, craftsmanship and history.

DETAILS:

ERA: Victorian  

HALLMARK: Hallmarked 18 Carat Gold 1885 Glasgow 

WEIGHT: 5.7 grams approximately. 

SIZE: Finger Size O 1/2 (UK/AU) 7.25 (US)

CONDITION: This is in good antique condition, some elements of the finer wire work details are missing and there is some blue discolouring from the wear of the foil on the central stone. The reverse of the central amethyst has some wear to gold setting which maybe a small element of base metal, not unusual for such a large and ornate piece/ 

Please note the antique box is for display only 

If you have any questions about this or any other piece please do not hesitate to ask


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