Lot Essay
Cf. D. Scarisbrick, Rings, Symbols of Wealth, Power and Affection, Thames & Hudson, London, 1993, p.174
During the last quarter of the 19th century, stimulated by exhibitions and museum collections of Renaissance art, the public interest began to look back the ‘golden age’ of the 15-16th centuries. Jewellers responded by creating rings resplendent with classical motifs such as carved cherubs, putti and acanthus swags. These settings often also incorporated a central point-cut diamond or cabochon gem and were decorated with various richly coloured enamels.
During the last quarter of the 19th century, stimulated by exhibitions and museum collections of Renaissance art, the public interest began to look back the ‘golden age’ of the 15-16th centuries. Jewellers responded by creating rings resplendent with classical motifs such as carved cherubs, putti and acanthus swags. These settings often also incorporated a central point-cut diamond or cabochon gem and were decorated with various richly coloured enamels.