ABOUT:
Unique and interesting French 18k gold signet ring set with a wonderful center green chrysoprase. This is a true signet or wax seal with the chrysoprase having been beautifully engraved with a coat of arms depicting two shields below a crown. One shield is engraved with a deer or lama? : ). The other shows a chevron design with a bunny rabbit below, with moon and star details. Always fun to find these with the engraving to a stone instead of just gold, and this one is extra special being a chrysoprase with that wonderful pop of color propped up amidst the buttery, glowing gold shoulders.
A true unisex piece. The design of the crown symbol signifies the level of Nobility to be that of a Count (lower than a Duke, higher than Viscount, Baron, Knight, or Lord.). Of course now France is a republic and there is no royal family recognized by the French state, but as is the case here, the owner likely had a title and could trace their nobility back to the French royal family.
This is an antique piece that I acquired in Paris from the Belle Epoque period, surprisingly there are no major chips to the face / top surface of the stone.
Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
Found in France, with their hallmark for 18k gold and a goldsmith stamp.
Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures. Antique box is not included.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size 5 3/4. The ring face is 10.7mm north south and the chrysoprase is 11x9mm. It stands 4mm off the finger. It weighs 9.4 grams.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Surface wear and scratches seen when you study the surface in a reflection, but more under magnification. The stone has a matte / satin finish but appears to have always been that way as the recessed areas have the same texture. The stone has a gorgeous green color contrasting with the glowing gold work. There is a tiny hairline seam around 3 sides of the vertical edges, it has a different hue than the gold and is eye visible when you turn the piece to the sides. This is just the original fabrication of the ring in the way that they set the stone. A shallow gradual ripple to the north south vertical edges but I would considering everything age appropriate wear considering it's an antique.
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )
Thanks so much for looking at my items!
SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )
Box#0.@52
