Recently Sold (ADR239)

Deco Delight - Art Deco 10K Gold Black Onyx & Pearl Engraved Ring. This charming ring is crafted from 10K rose gold & white gold, hallmarked 10K. Featuring one genuine seed pearl, one genuine triangular black onyx, Art Deco era styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring is set with a beautiful jet black onyx, which is bevelled and adorned with a lustrous silvery grey pearl. The bezel surrounding the onyx has a wonderful decorative serrated edge( a characteristic seen in antique jewelry), and beautiful hand engraving on the white gold gallery. Whilst the shank is crafted from rose gold. The shank is polished and smooth, which allow for a comfortable fit and easy sizing. This Art Deco era ring belonged to a lady who purchased the ring with her very first pay cheque in the 1920s. Truly a special ring to be cherished for many years to come. 

History: While the black onyx may seem like a contemporary jewel, its history and use can be traced back to ancient Greece. In fact, this is where the stone first got its name. The term 'black onyx' is believed to have been derived from the Greek word 'ὄνυξ' which means 'fingernail' or 'claw'.

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.

Rose gold was first used in early 19th century Russia by the famed jeweler Carl Faberge in his famous Faberge Eggs, as was known as Russian Gold. Rose gold later gained popularity in the United States during the lavish and feminine 1920's, and was worn in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

Although the origin of white color gold dates back to 1710, where it was discovered by two alchemists in Germany, it wasn't used widely until much later. White gold as we know it today was really popularised in the 1920s. Although it might seem strange, this luxury material came to popularity in wartime.

Measurements: Face of ring 10.50 mm 

Stone Size: Pearl 1.50 mm     Black Onyx 9.00 mm x 7.00 mm 

Weight: 2.10 grams 

Ring Size: 7 

Condition: Excellent

Origin: Canada  

Date: 1920s