Enamel Female Portrait Ring

Its a legend! This eye catching jewel is featured on page 189 in the latest 7th edition of the book, "Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry" by C. Jeanenne Bell! See over 30 of pieces of our jewelry highlighted both currently on view and from the recent past so don't miss this wonderful resource.

The 19th century can be viewed as a time of change. From staid society to rampant industrialization change was everywhere. Well, not everywhere…around the middle of the century a group of 19th century “upstart” English poets and painters were rejecting a mechanistic approach by the artists of the day. It is more than likely that these brethren of the Pre-Raphaelites would welcome the stylists of the Art Nouveau period into fellowship.

This circa 1890 ring incorporates the Pre-Raphaelite subject of an idealized and romanticized woman that echoes the influence of painters such as Rossetti. The intensely colored enamels reverberate with the bright colors and intense luminosity desired by the Pre-Raphaelites. Set into an oval shaped gold setting, the full-front portrait is ornamented with two small rose cut diamonds—one in the diadem across the forehead and the other in the necklace. The perimeter of the portrait is bounded with a small edge of gold. A simple unadorned shank completes the piece.

Measures 5/8 of an inch (1.6 cm) in length by 7/16 of an inch (1.2 cm) in width. Currently size US 5-3/4 (British K-1/2; Euro 16.25; 51.5 mm) and can be sized to fit most hands. In very good condition; tiny edge wear around 4:00; three minute surface marks when viewed with a loupe; warm patina around gold rims of diamonds; light wear to shank. Dates to circa 1890.