Story
For the royal and noble of the 18th century masquerades and masked balls were a highlight of the frivolity and intrigues of life. Any number were publicly held which enabled the upper class to readily mix with those in the lower classes. Hidden behind a masque one could be anonymous with immunity to say, do or be anything with absolutely no reprisals.
Along with this curious custom came the concept of carnival masque rings which were typically amatory in meaning and often given as a love token. Highly personal, sometimes these rings had a tiny locket or opened to reveal a hidden message. Always enameled, the face usually had a black enamel mask over the eyes.
In this example, the type of mask is referred to as a domino mask which covered only the eyes and the space between them. In addition the cheeks are rouged with flesh colored enamel. Makeup, lip rouge and even mouches or black dots were applied onto the faces of both men and women. According to Ms. Scarisbrick, mouches were placed on the face according to intricate patterns imbued with flirtatious messages. These were often kept in marvelous little cases often termed patch boxes.
Highly collectible and rare today, most of these mask (masque) rings fetch well over $10,000 each. This very rare 9k yellow gold carnival mask ring displays a white enamel face set with two old mine cut diamond eyes and a cabochon ruby mouth wearing a black enamel domino mask. Twisted split shoulders segue into a double reeded shank. The ring is accompanied by an antique but not original hinged box with crescent moon shaped front catch.
For similar examples see “Historic Rings” by Diana Scarisbrick on page 112, listing 252.
Note: Refer to final photo for an example of an 18th century miniature portrait of a woman shown holding a masque.
Comes with a full appraisal for your peace of mind and insurance purposes.