18th Century Bague Au Firmament
An original 18th century Bague au Firmament; a Ring of the Heavens. Silver-set diamond 'stars' glisten brightly over a deep midnight-blue enamel ground. This is one of two types of ring designed in France during the latter half of the 19th century in celebration of the news that Marie-Antoinette and her husband, King Louis XVI, were having a baby (the other being the enfantement ring, the ring of childbirth). It's crafted in 18 carat gold and silver with diamond border and triple band that splits three ways at each shoulder.
"Back then, the universe was a small place. Even when Cartier first set his eyes eastwards in the 1910s, there was not yet any knowledge of other galaxies. The stars of Marie Antoinette’s 18th century Rings of the Heavens (bague au firmament) were fixed in place on the deep blue celestial sphere in the constellations of the zodiac which in the East were ruled by the planets of the Navaratna. There were only the planets and beyond them the celestial sphere rotating and the stars themselves, those “shining glorious lights”, were motionless…"
- Lost Owl Blog, The Celestial Collection
"Two innovations from France were the 'firmament' and enfantement rings, designed respectively to celebrate the good news that King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie-Antoinette, were expecting an heir and then the birth of the Dauphin in 1785. Whereas in the firmament ring numerous small diamonds are applied on the ground so they shine out like the moon and stars in the sky at night, the enfantement ring has only one large stone amidst smaller stones applied to the centre."
- Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty (2013) by Diana Scarisbrick
***
Era: Georgian, circa 1790
Ring size: L 1/2 or 6 US. Resizeable for £55
Head size: 3.4cm by 1.8cm
Stones: Rose Cut Diamonds
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold and silver
Condition: Good antique condition; wear consistent with its age. Light surface wear to the enamel including a small chip to one side and hairline crack. Stones and enamel all appear original and secure.
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of each page.
alex@lostowl.jewelry
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
*shopping cart, not the checkout