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Antique Arts and Crafts Fancy Agate Ring Sz 8 Signed browse these categories for related items... All Items: Estate Jewelry: Silver: Arts and Crafts: Pre 1910: item # 698046 GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear 56 Calle Monte Aplanado, NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone: 505.205.1404 Guest Book $210 (Free U.S. Priority Shipping & Gift-Wrap if Desired) |
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This spectacular antique ring features a beautifully translucent large cabochon of dendritic agate -- the type with dark inclusions resembling ice crystal, sometimes called mocha stone. It's collet-set in a sleek Arts & Crafts mounting of sterling silver that will suit either a gentleman or a lady who favors bold forms. The ring's face is large, but not overpowering (not quite 3/4" tall)and stylized decorations on each side show the slight variations that indicate hand-craftsmanship. As you know, fancy agates were prized in Late Victorian and Edwardian times. They suited the taste for unusual gems that's so evident in Arts and Crafts jewelry, along with high standards of artistry and workmanship. The new ideal was for everything to be special and unique in some ways, as opposed to the mass-produced goods of the Industrial Revolution. Ultimately the movement died of its emphasis on ultra-fine fabrication, which priced most people out of the market for the product lines of top A&C designers. The maker in this instance, Clark & Coombs of Providence, R.I., is a good illustration of that. Established in 1862, C & C had a national reputation for gold and silver rings by the early 20th century and tried to carry on without further mechanization, but was unable to compete effectively. Although the firm still exists, it was taken over by new management and modernized for greater output after World War II. It's wonderful when we find an example of their exquisite early creations. Its interior bears a "Sterling" hallmark and the C&C stamp used until 1915 (two Cs in triangles around a stylized ampersand tilting right). Most likely this ring dates from between 1905 and 1910. While the basic shape of the setting was used in the 19th century, the very clean lines of its ornamentation anticipate Art Deco, which began to evolve in Edwardian days. Provenance is a Pacific Northwest estate; condition is excellent; and the current size, about a U.S. 8 - 8.5, would be easily altered, since the back of the shank is plain. There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking! |
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