Europe, Neoclassical, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A beautiful 65.34% gold (equivalent to 15K+) ring with a sizeable oval moonstone cameo depicting the profile bust of an attractive female, perhaps a goddess, presenting delicate features and an elegant coiffure drawn back into a chignon and decorated with a diadem. In addition, the moonstone itself is inherently stunning, presenting with translucency and radiant rainbow iridescence! Furthermore, the gold shank is meticulously modeled with a leafy, almost ribbon-like pattern that also conjures images of the goddess' wavy tresses, and the cameo is surrounded by a narrow black enamel border. So lovely! Size (moonstone intaglio): 0.625" L x 0.5" W (1.6 cm x 1.3 cm); opening measures 0.875" Diameter (2.2 cm); gold quality: 65.34% (equivalent to 15K+); total weight: 9.3 grams; US ring size 9

The Neoclassical period saw immense northern European interest in the Classical world, in part inspired by the budding science of archaeology. Artists looked to the deep past for inspiration; however, they also brought an imaginative sensibility to their depictions of it.

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, USA; ex-East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#157751

Only minor scuffs to the moonstone cameo - very difficult to discern. The imagery is very well preserved. The gold shank boasts a warm patina and has retained its form quite nicely. Overall excellent.