1920s Limoges Enamel Portrait Ring
The city of Limoges, in south-west central France, has been known for producing some of Europe's finest enamelware since the 1100s. In the early 20th century, the workshop of Camille Fauré sparked a revolution, breaking from tradition with a series of modern, experimental designs and techniques that altered the cities output forever. Fauré began his creative career as a sign painter, pivoting from painted signs to enamelled signs to, ultimately, the more lucrative world of decorative arts, each time taking the skills he'd learned and applying them to the new discipline. In 1920, Fauré went into partnership with Alexandre and Henriette Marty, the trio sharing a common desire to explore the new modernist styles and pioneering a technique whereby different layers of enamel were built up on top of one another prior to firing to create a unique, sculptural effect. Faure's enamels were applied over copper, with different metal foils added to create iridescent effects, luminous colours, and unusual textures, as seen on the woman's clothing and headwear.
This ring features an oval enamel plaque with a portrait of a woman, signed Fauré-Marty Limoges to the reverse. It's mounted in a simple 9ct gold ring with split shoulders and a raised bezel around the enamel. It dates from the 1920s. The colour scheme, shimmering metallic yellows, turquoise, and blues of the subject over a deep burgundy background are eye-catching and tasteful.
Era: Art Deco, circa 1925
Ring size: Ring size O or 7.25 US. Resizable for £35)
Head: 16.0mm by 11.2mm
Marks: None, tested as 9ct gold. Signed 'Fauré-Marty Limoges'
Condition: Good antique condition. Two chips to the edge of the enamel under the bezel - not particularly noticeable, especially when worn
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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.
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