Gold, Enamel, and Diamond-Set Skull Ring

CIRCA 1700 A.D.

3/4 in. (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)).

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.

Provenance

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.

Literature

Cf. The V&A Museum, London, accession number 528-1868, for a ring of similar type.

Footnotes

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.'

CONDITION

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LOT 0338