Moonstruck - Victorian French Art Nouveau 14K Gold Natural Ceylon White Moonstone Ring (VICR190)

Moonstruck - Victorian French 14K Gold Art Nouveau Natural Ceylon White Moonstone Ring. This stunning ring is crafted from 14K yellow gold, tested and confirmed. The ring features one natural oval cut cabochon Ceylon moonstone, Victorian Art Nouveau era styling, and high quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring is expertly bezel-set with the most beautiful clear white ethereal moonstone. The precious moonstone is surrounded by a contrasting buttery yellow gold gallery, which is sculptural, and carved with flowing lines, open-work, and a foliage motif. The band is smooth and polished, which allows for a comfortable fit, and easy sizing. This Victorian Art Nouveau era beauty is truly a ring to be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come.

Note: Beautiful and rare. Exquisite and unique design. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of antique jewelry. It is highly recommended that this ring should be insured for $4500.00 (Tax Excluded) 

History: Both the Romans and the Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar deities. The Roman natural historian, Pliny, coined the name of this gemstone when he wrote that moonstone's shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon—a belief that held until well after the sixteenth century.

Ceylon (Sri Lankan) moonstone has a history of intertwined with ancient architecture and cultural traditions, notably as the "sandakada pahana" or semicular stone slab found at the base of temple staircases, symbolizing the Buddhist cycle of rebirth. valued for its luminous, often blue, sheen, it has been mined in Sri Lanka for centuries using traditional, eco-friendly methods, with Sri Lanka now being a leading global source for high-quality moonstones. Its beauty and mystical allure have also made it a popular gemstone in jewelry and a symbol of feminine energy and intuition across various cultures. 

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.

In the history of the United Kingdom and the British Empire, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901.

The Art Nouveau period was an international design movement that peaked between 1890 and 1910.  It rejected 19th-century historicism to embrace a fresh, modern style inspired by natural, organic forms, flowing "whiplash" curves, and plant life, deeply influencing architecture, graphic arts, and interior design. 

Art Nouveau jewelry is rare because the movement lasted for a very short time(roughly 1890 to 1910), focused on small-batch studio production rather than mass manufacturing, and used fragile, delicate materials like fine enamel and horn that degrade or break easily over time. 

Measurements: Face of the Ring 20.00 mm x 17.00 mm 

Stone Size: Moonstone 1.37 carats      

Weight:  4.44 grams 

Ring Size: 7     Note: Easy to size. 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: France 

Date: Circa 1890