Antique Art Nouveau ring 18k gold ruby diamonds Face of woman flowers hair (7552)

Antique Art Nouveau ring. 18k yellow gold, ruby and diamonds. Made in France circa 1895-1905.  
 

Measurements:

Weight is 11.5 grams. A little over a US size 7.5 

Description :

Young woman, head tilted slightly to one side to show off her features to better effect. Long flowing hair in typical Art Nouveau style - winding and curving around and forming part of her bodice. A colette-set ruby in her hair and two small diamonds in the centers of flowers - camellias or water lilies- on either side of her head. Buds and foliage continue to form shoulders of ring. Simple gold shank. Ruby of a wonderful deep red color. 

Marks and Metal:

outside of the shank is hallmarked with French owl mark. 
     

Condition:

Good with negligible wear commensurate with age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:

Art Nouveau was all about dreamy figures, elongated, idealised, stylised to metamorphosize and integrate into the botanical elements around them. This ring embodies all of these elements - the beautiful young maiden with her hair no less part of the design than her upturned nose and dreamy smile. The inset gems make her a princess at the very least. It was at about this time that Europe was beginning to discover the gems of India. Beautifully made, this ring is a rare example of original Art Nouveau figural jewelry.