DATE: Art Nouveau, c.1900

This ring, for me, showcases the best of the Art Nouveau movement in jewellery. Railing against the florid, often ostentatious nature of Victorian jewellery designs, it's sleek and simple, although by no means minimalist. The opal is an exaggerated navette (boat-shaped) cabochon, set diagonally across the head and flanked by sweeping textured split shoulders. The feel is very much organic, the shoulders reminiscent of hair, or wheat, and the opal bursting with iridescent sparks of life. 

STONES 

White Opal

MEASUREMENTS 

Width at head: 6.8mm

Width of band: 1.8mm

WEIGHT 

 1.7g

MARKS 

Stamped 14k gold

CONDITION 

Excellent, with fine antique patina