Antique Belle Epoque French Diamond and Blue Enamel Ring Navette 18K Gold Ring

Description

A delicate and beautifully handcrafted ring made in France during the very early 20th century, circa 1910. The design is inspired by late 18th century French ring types known as ‘firmament’ and ‘enfantement’ rings. The design was made popular by French jewellers to celebrate the long-awaited news that King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were expecting an heir (bagues au firmament), and the subsequent birth of the Dauphin of France (bagues à l’enfantement).

The celestial cobalt blue guilloché enamel bezel contrasts beautifully with the bright white sparkle of the diamonds to mimic the night sky. The striking central Old Mine Cut diamond is open-backed and set in silver and weighs approximately 0.35ct, with smaller rose cut diamonds are placed above and below. The navette shaped bezel has an intricate pierced gallery which takes the form of crescents while the fluted shoulders taper down the band. The ring sits flat on the finger making the ring ideal for frequent wear. There is some loss to the top layer of the enamel on one side as seen in the images.

UK size J 1/2, US size 5

2.99g, tests as 18K gold

The bezel measures 20mm x 10mm. Central diamond has a diameter of 6mm on its longest axis, smaller diamonds have a diameter of 2mm.