1970s Brutalist Tiger's Eye Ring
Of all the vision-inducing arts that which depends most completely on raw materials is, of course, the art of the goldsmith and jeweler. Polished metals and precious stones are so intrinsically transporting that even a Victorian, even an art nouveau jewel is a thing of power. And when to this natural magic of glinting metal and self-luminous stone is added the other magic of noble forms and colors artfully blended, we find ourselves in the presence of a genuine talisman. - from "Heaven and Hell", Aldous Huxley (1956)
Bars of tiger's eye, shimmering in deep brown and gold colours, slot alongside textured gold blocks and diamonds that float like stars. This talismanic brutalist ring dates from the 1970s but, worked in bright 18 carat gold, the structural geometry displays echoes of the 1920s and that other radical design movement we call Art Deco. The naturalistic wood-grain texture of the gold is juxtaposed with right angles and square edges; one of the hallmarks of Brutalist jewellery.
But asking the question, what is brutalist jewellery? A reasonable start might be:
- the organic forms and textures that Constructivism had dispensed with were restored,
- and sometimes combined with weaving contours and rough unfinished edges favoured in Surrealism.
- Geometry and repetition was not exact and mathematical, but now flowing, as though improvised.
Or to quote the "godfather of British jewellery design", Andrew Grima:
I saw gold in its 'raw' state with stones growing from its centre without claws and without fuss.
Era: Modernist, circa 1970
Ring size: O or 7.25 US. Resizeable for £55
Head: 19.9mm by 18.4mm
Stones: Tiger's Eye & Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Marks: Unclear, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Great vintage condition, light wear consistent with age
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
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs charges a 10% "Reciprocal Tariff" on all parcels coming in from the UK.
We will pay this charge on your behalf and you will see it collected as a line item at checkout.
[Last updated: September 15th, 2025]
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
25% deposit 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 and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is 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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An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
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