Purple Reign - Edwardian Dated 1919 14K Gold Natural Amethyst & Pearl 'Forget-Me- Knot' Filigree Ring (EDR102)

Purple Reign - Edwardian Dated 1919 14K Gold Natural Amethyst & Pearl 'Forget-Me-Not' Filigree Ring. This special ring is crafted from 14K white, and yellow gold, hallmarked 14K, and a patent date Z15.19 (for a date of 1919) The ring features one natural rectangular cut amethyst, 27 natural seed pearls, Edwardian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring is expertly bezel set with a beautiful purple amethyst, displaying purplish/bluish hues. The bezel exhibits a delicate milgrain decoration, which adds character and beauty to the piece. The amethyst has a wonderful seed pearl surround, interspaced by a forget-me-knot flower appliqué. The pearls are lustrous, and display a beautiful silvery/blue colour. The middle of the gallery exhibits a wonderful delicate twisted rope decoration. Whilst the bottom of the gallery showcases exquisite filigree work, and raised forget-me-knot flower decoration. The shoulders showcase exquisite scroll engraved decoration, which leads down to a smooth and polished shank. This type of shank allows for easy sizing and a comfortable fit. This Edwardian era ring would make a wonderful gift for that special someone, or a fantastic addition to any jewelry collection. 

Note: Appraisal included with the ring. Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of antique jewelry. 

Comments: This ring is a wonderful example of late Edwardian jewelry, which overlaps with the Art Deco period. This particular example, showcases many techniques used in antique jewelry, such as delicate milgrain decoration, the twisted rose design, hand-wired  pearls (a technique used in ancient jewelry), filigree work, engravings, and a beautiful quality amethyst. Such a special ring, in amazing condition, which dates to be over 120 years old. 

History: Ancient Greeks and Romans believed this gemstone could ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus and keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. English regalia were decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst jewelry has been found and dated as early as 2000 BC.

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

White gold has been around since the turn of the 19th century, but it wasn't until the 1920s when it really started gaining popularity. At the time, platinum had been the preferred precious metal for jewellery. But it quickly became scarce as World War II raged on, and countries began to stockpile it for military use.

The first fossil instances of filigree were discovered by archaeologists in ancient Greece and Mesopotamia and dated over 5,000 years ago. The name filigree comes from the latin words “filum” meaning thread and “granum” meaning grain, describing the thin metal strips used to create filigree.

Forget-me-nots symbolize true love and respect. When you give someone these tiny blooms, it represents a promise that you will always remember them and will keep them in your thoughts. They are also considered a symbol of fidelity and faithfulness.

The Edwardian era corresponds to the reign of King Edward VII in Great Britain, whose short-lived governance (1901-1910) followed Victoria's long reign and preceded the modern House of Windsor in England. The "Edwardian" style broadly encompasses the years of 1901 through to 1919.

Measurements: Face of the Ring  17.50 mm x 15.00 mm 

Stone Size: Amethyst 4.11 carats   Clarity VS      Seed Pearls 2.00 mm - 2.50 mm each 

Weight: 6.34 grams 

Condition: Excellent       

Ring Size: 7 1/2

Origin: America 

Date: 1919