Thursday, September 13, 2012

Mastery of Design: The Dame Joan Evans Pyramid Ring, c. 1660

Gold, enamel and crystal ring.
Italy, 1660
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum



From the substantial jewelry collection of Dame Joan Evans, we have this enameled gold ring which dates to circa 1660. Its pyramidal, triangular bezel is set with a crystal. However, its most interesting feature is the pair of gold hands supporting a central heart of deep red enamel. This attractive and sentimental symbol supports the central stone. Meanwhile scrolls reversed on black enamel adorn the underside and hoop. 

The ring was made in Italy and is a stunning example of Seventeenth Century jewelry. Throughout the centuries, the ring passed from owner to owner—eventually ending up in France where it was given a French import mark in 1893. 




No comments: