Gold, Enamel, and Diamond-Set Skull Ring
Circa 1700 A.D. A Queen Anne period gold ring composed of a slender hoop with expanding shoulders formed as the ball-joints of long bones; bezel formed as an elongated stylised skull featuring large eye-sockets set with facetted diamonds; white enamelled teeth and head detailing; accompanied by a vintage ring box. Cf. The V&A Museum, London, accession number 528-1868, for a ring of similar type. 2.82 grams, 19.54 mm overall,17.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9) (3/4 in.). Acquired from Berganza, Hatton Garden, London, 2016.Property of an East Sussex collector.Accompanied by a copy of the Berganza invoice. Likely a ring of the memento mori genre. The V & A Museum states that during the 'Renaissance, the ring developed from the simple forms of the medieval period into a miniature work of art, combining the skills of the chaser, engraver and enameller as well as the stone cutter.' A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]