A beautiful 14K yellow gold and amethyst ring attributed to Edward Everett Oakes (or possibly Frank Gardner Hale). Both of these members of the Boston Society of Arts & Crafts produced jewels featuring intricate wirework, stylized foliate and floral motifs and berry clusters as seen in this ring. The amethyst is held in place by a complex design of flowers and foliage that grasps the outer edges of the stone in a manner often seen in Oakes’ work. The mounting causes the amethyst to appear oval, but it is in fact round. The design continues down the shoulders and completely around the shank. The setting is completely handmade, using torch, engraving and sawing techniques. There is no sign of any cast elements. The amethyst is very fine quality, with intensely saturated medium-dark slightly reddish-purple tone, and no color zoning to detract from the stone’s beauty. The interior back of the shank is indistinctly hallmarked and the interior of the mounting has an affixed plaque marked “14K”. Though the hallmark cannot be read, all the indicators of style and construction suggest Oakes as the most likely maker.Origin: America, ca. 1920. Condition: excellent, sharp detail. Finger Size: 7-1/2. Crown Size: 25/32” x 21/32”. Weight: 6.7 grams. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: 6.35 carats.
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