Georgian 'In Unity Lets Live & Die' Gold Posy Ring

A gold ring composed of a slender hoop, expanding shoulders decorated with white enamelled foliage and black enamelled pea-pod ornament, repeated around the bezel, bezel with box setting holding a table-cut ruby, white and black enamelled floral design to the underside; minor loss of enamel; likely from France; accompanied by a 'Les Enluminures' hinged presentation box. 4.57 grams, 23.32 mm overall, 18.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Acquired from Les Enluminures Ltd, Illinois, USA, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a Les Enluminures certificate of authenticity. Accompanied by a copy of the Les Enluminures invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11671-197579.

Over the centuries, the ruby became a symbol of the amorous heart and a popular gemstone for betrothal or wedding rings in Western Europe. This gemstone was believed to symbolise the virtues of marriage and convey the desire for eternal matrimonial love. The ruby-red colour was often enhanced by setting the stone on top of a foil. The stones themselves were imported from as far afield as Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka. Old inventories record them as 'balas rubies', which were sourced to decorate royal crowns. In the 17th century, the red colour was set-off by the pastel shades of satin which were fashionable in dress at the court of King Louis VIII, where the art of enamelling was also practiced.

A slender bronze posy ring inscribed 'LOVE' to the interior and other worn inscription; hoop split. 0.99 grams, 19.90 mm overall, 17.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)



Acquired circa 2010. From an old Essex, UK, collection.

A Queen Anne period gold ring composed of a slender hoop with expanding shoulders formed as the ball-joints of long bones; bezel formed as an elongated stylised skull featuring large eye-sockets set with facetted diamonds; white enamelled teeth and head detailing; accompanied by a vintage ring box. 2.82 grams, 19.54 mm overall,17.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



Acquired from Berganza, Hatton Garden, London, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a copy of the Berganza invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11665-197583.

Likely a ring of the memento mori genre. The V & A Museum states that during the 'Renaissance, the ring developed from the simple forms of the medieval period into a miniature work of art, combining the skills of the chaser, engraver and enameller as well as the stone cutter.'