Edwardian Shakudō & Gold Dragon Ring
**RESERVED**
A spectacular Edwardian navette ring featuring a Japanese damascene plaque with two-tone gold dragon inlayed over a shakudō background. The winged beast is enchanting, slender and regal, surrounded by intricate, abstract foliate details in sharp contrast agains the blackened background. The ring itself is crafted in 9ct gold with elegant trifurcated shoulders, made in England in the early years of the 20th century - circa 1910.
Shakudō (赤銅) is a Japanese alloy of gold and copper used in the production of various inlayed decorative objects since at least as far back as the 8th century AD. The characters in the name shaku-dō mean "red" and "copper" but combined they represent this material which begins with a darkened coppery-bronze color and is then modified to black or near-black.
Damascene is the art of inlaying metals into other alloys: often gold and silver onto a dark background, often oxidised steel or in this case shakudō. The name derives from its visual similarities with the rich intricacies of damask silk, and historically the best examples come from Spain and Japan. The mastery of the artisan who created this example is pretty much beyond belief, for me at least.
Era: Edwardian circa 1910. The damascene plaque is likely to date from the 19th century, if not earlier.
Ring size: 6.75 US or N UK/AUS. Resizing not recommended.
Head size: 3.0cm by 1.4cm
Marks: Unclear, tested as 9ct gold. Gold inlay is likely to be close to 24 carat.
Condition: Fair antique condition. There is obvious wear and minor losses to the
shakudō panel, please see images.
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)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 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?
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alex@lostowl.jewelry