Europe, Neoclassical period, ca. late 18th to 19th century CE. A show-stopping silver ring featuring the high relief carnelian cameo of a male bust surrounded by 30 petite, inlaid diamonds each separated by a diagonal band of silver, creating a spiraling effect. Turning to his right, the man presents a veristic visage with deep-set eyes, sunken cheeks, and a closed mouth, all beneath a tonsured coiffure. The artist has meticulously highlighted the fleshy folds of skin in his furrowed brow, nasolabial folds, and neck, accentuating his age and suggesting this may be a Neoclassical depiction of a Roman senator. Alternatively the ring showcases vegetal motif band with a trefoil design at each shoulder and an openwork, undulating pattern encompassing the periphery of the setting. Size of ring: 0.9" L x 0.8" W (2.3 cm x 2 cm); of cameo: 0.8" L x 0.6" W (2 cm x 1.5 cm); of diamond inlays (all about the same): 0.0625" W (0.2 cm); silver quality: 38 to 47%; US ring size: 4; weight: 7.8 grams

Provenance: private Danvers, Massachusetts, USA collection, acquired by descent; ex-USA collection, acquired before 2000; ex-Bernheimer?s Antique Arts, Cambridge, MA, prior to 1992

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#179202

Minor loss to nose. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with nice remaining detail and good preservation of diamond inlays. Light patina throughout. Accompanied by custom Bernheimer's Antique Arts box.