Neo-Renaissance Silver and Garnet Ring

An unusual Renaissance style silver ring made in Southern Germany circa 1750-1800! In the centre rests a table-cut garnet gemstone in a box bezel with an engraved quatrefoil underside. The shoulders are decorated with baluster carved motifs, leading to a tapering fluted D-shaped hoop.

During the Renaissance, finger rings developed from the simple forms of the medieval period into miniature works of art, combining the skills of the chaser, engraver, enameller and stone cutter. Cabochon settings remained in use but developments in stone cutting saw the increasing use of table cuts. These Renaissance designs remained in fashion in the traditional jewellery style of Southern Germany in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The ring shows signs of age but is in good wearable condition.

For the prototype of a Renaissance style ring with quatrefoil bezel from Southern Germany with similar design, workmanship and choice of silver with gemstones, see cf. Chadour 1994, vol. I, no. 1887 dated 18th – 19th century.

UK size M 1/2/US size 6 1/2, 6.32g. The stone measures 4mm across its longest axis.