Art Nouveau Figural Diamond Ring
An interesting Art Nouveau figural ring featuring a woman, stretched out as if swimming with hair flowing behind her and holding a hand mirror. The devil, winged and bearded, is hunched in front of her, poised to lunge forward, surrounded by the fires of hell. The ring is crafted in 18ct gold and dates from the early 20th century, circa 1910. Set with a 33pt old mine cut diamond in a platinum bezel.
The subject is allegorical, potentially representing the faculty of the imagination; a warning against temptation, and a reminder not to succumb to vanity - beauty is more than skin deep. Similar subjects can be found in medieval European Artworks, such as the Demon of Vanity and Coquette from the 1493 edition of "Der Ritter vom Turn", or Fancie from Thomas Jenner's 1662 series "The foure faculties of the minde", in which an artist is seen painting a scene featuring a woman gazing into a hand mirror with the devil at her side, above the words:
"Apelike I all thinges imitate,/ Dreamelike I them vary straite./ New proiects fashions I invent./ All shapes to head and harte present."
Era: Art Nouveau, circa 1910
Width at head: 10.8mm
Width of band: 5.1mm
Ring size: T or 9.5 US
Stone: 0.33ct Old Mine Cut Diamond (calculated weight), VS clarity, J/K colour
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition
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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
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
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Layaway
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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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