Few realize that Buffalo, New York was a haven for the development of the Roycroft Colony of the Arts & Crafts movement of the late nineteenth century in America. Known as the Queen City, this commercial hub grew out of the land of the great Seneca nation and was hostess to the 1901 Pan-Am Exposition.

Consequently, it is not surprising that jewelry crafting in the manner of the Movement also cropped up. The Queen City Ring Manufacturing Company was active from approximately 1903 to 1915 designing and creating jewelry items for everyday wear.

Here is an example of that company’s ability to offer unique rings to the public at large. Crafted from 10k yellow gold, it incorporates both a vertical and horizontal orientation for the gems.

A pair of round white opal cabochons, total weight of .20 carats are placed north and south in buttercup or Belcher type gold settings. Between the opals a duo of round faceted sapphires of a total .06 carats impart a touch of lively blue coloration.

Open work design and fancy twisted shoulders give this turn of the twentieth century ring a different direction for rings of the time.