Victorian Gold Ring with Blue Enamel & Diamonds

Enamel was a favorite among Victorian era jewelers-in this case, a large oval cocktail ring is crafted out of heavy yellow gold, with a large slightly domed surface entirely covered with blue enamel. The outer rim of the ring is a deep navy blue, the inner oval a bright royal blue. Close inspection shows some engine turned metalwork details under the enamel – this is known as guilloche enameling. This is a painstaking process by which powdered glass is applied to the metal, then fired, and this process is repeated until their is a sturdy and lustrous layer of glass. In the center of the enamel is a silver flower with leaves, each petal and leaf set with an old-cut Diamond. The Diamond centerpiece provides a visual focal-point to the ring, but also protects the enamel around it. This item is particularly rare, due to the fact that it is a ring (most enamel pieces were pins and pendants) and that it exists in such fine condition with very minimal enamel loss. A true find!

Details: antique 14k yellow gold ring with sterling silver applique’ set with old mine cut Diamonds (.40ctw) and blue enamel; French c.1880. Oval ring top measures 1.25 inches long.