Antique Victorian Ring 18k Gold Rose Cut Diamonds Blue Enamel c1850 (6324)

Antique Victorian ring. 18k yellow gold, rose cut diamonds and blue enamel. Made in France, circa 1850.

Measurements: slightly under a US size 7. Weighs 8.0 grams. Length of bezel is 21mm.

Description: Oval in shape with the bezel raised above the level of the finger by a gold swag - narrower at the ends and wider in the middle, at the shoulders. The shoulders have a beautiful gradated trio of gold globules enclosed by a gold wire. They lead to the ridged shank. The border of the bezel is very finely engraved gold. Within, a slightly arching blue enamel ground with a bouquet of rose-cut diamonds set in silver in its center. Within, not visible to the eye when the ring is worn, is a floral support in loops of gold ribbons. This shows the effort put into this luxuriously made ring. Extremely elegant and fine. Wonderful look.

Marks: French owl mark for 18k gold of unknown maker. There are two marks within that are most likely later assayed: 18k and VR40.

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. This special ring is of a type known as "bagues au firmament", or "rings of the heavens." The deep blue enamel was intended to evoke the night sky, and the pearls and diamonds, the stars. It is said that Marie Antoinette was a fan of this style which originated in France and wore her bague au firmament daily.  Typically, the English are firmly of the opinion that they invented this dark blue enamelling and it was traditionally given from one member of the royal family to another. Hence, according to the English, the name Royal Blue Enamel. (see page 120 of Georgian Jewellery by Ginny Redington Dawes and Olivia Collings).