Antique Vintage Deco 18k Gold Russian Princess Ballerina Fire Opal Ring Sz 6.25

Description

We have similar Opal and Art Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Opal" or "Deco" under our auction items.
Item description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings:
"18k" on the inside of the band, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
6.8 grams
Metal Type:
18k yellow gold, 18k white gold topped settings
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Australian fire opal
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
0.78 carats
Diameter:
1.43 mm to 4.09 mm
Depth:
0.90 mm to 1.42 mm
Color:
semi-translucent milky white hue with blue, green, orange, red, yellow, and purple fire
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts:
Polished round cabochon
Ring Size:
6.25 - due to the style and design of this ring, it may wear slightly larger than this size
Sizable by your local jeweler:
Yes.
Item Measurements:
Top of ring:
0.77" long, 0.71" wide
When worn
: the top of the ring rises 0.58" off the finger
Notable Features:
This ring was handmade during the Art Deco era. Composed of 18k yellow and white gold, the ring features stunning Australian fire opals arranged in the tiered style of Russian princess ballerina rings. Inspired by Thai princess harem rings, Russian princess ballerina rings rose to popularity during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras after the Russian Czar, Nicholas II, encountered Siam princess harem jewelry during his travels through Asia. Enamored with their glamorous designs, the Czar brought these pieces back to Russia where they were adapted into the style now known as princess ballerina jewelry.
The total of thirty-three Australian fire opals would have been mined in Australia before being imported to be made into jewelry. Milky white in hue, the stones are semi-translucent, which allows light to filter through their bodies and illuminate their intense flashes of red, orange, green, blue, yellow, and purple fire.
The largest of the opals rests in the highest tier, while the following three tiers feature stones that graduate in size toward the lowest tier. Each of the stones in the lower two tiers rest in white gold topped prong settings, while the lowest tier of stones rest in bezel settings. The highest stone is suspended in a prong setting, rising over one-half of an inch off the finger when worn. Two fire opals also adorn the ring's shoulders, resting within marquise-shaped motifs for a bold, geometric
bold, geometric design that would have been very fashionable during the Art Deco era.
The tiered style of this ring evokes the appearance of a ballerina's tutu and raises the highest tier just over half an inch off the finger when the ring is worn. An open under-gallery allows for a comfortable fit when worn, as does the smooth, polished yellow gold band. The generous use of 18k yellow gold gives this ring an impressive item weight value of 0.
A classic example of Russian princess ballerina jewelry from the Art Deco era, this ring would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection.
Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear.
The largest stone is slightly loose in its setting, an intentional design choice on the part of the jeweler to prevent damage while setting the stone; however, the stone is completely secure and this does not affect wear. There is minor wear to the face of one opal, but the stone remains secure and this is difficult to notice when worn. There is minor patina on the gold in some areas, as well as minor jewelry solder visible at the bottom of the lowest tier's settings; this does not affect wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
T
he Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1940. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specifically cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would often take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
The Russian Ballerina style of ring was made popular during the Czarist rule of Imperial Russia when Czar Nicholas traveled through southwest Asia and encountered the Harem style of rings from Southeast Asia. This style became popular in Russia among the elite and became known as the Princess or Ballerina style of jewelry. Unlike Thai princess harem rings, Russian ballerina rings typically show tiers or clusters of prong set gemstones.
Discovered in the second half of the 19th century in Australia, fire opals rose to popularity amongst the aristocracy of the Victorian era, both within Australia and beyond. Queen Victoria herself was well-known for her appreciation of the stone, owning an entire collection of jewelry featuring the stunning stone. Mined in Australia and exported to the rest of the world, this new variety of opal was available to only the wealthiest of aristocrats.
As the name suggests, these opals are known for their intense flashes of fire, which usually appears a vibrant red, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples, among other hues. They are typically cut into cabochons that show off their fire and are perfectly suited to a variety of different jewelry pieces.
Domestic US
: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: .00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
International
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