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Nature's Luxury - Rare American Edwardian Signed 'M.A.' Marcus & Company Platinum Natural Pearl & Diamond Ring.  This extraordinary ring is crafted from platinum, tested and confirmed.  Featuring a rare natural pearl, 26 natural single cut diamonds, exquisite detail and workmanship and Edwardian styling.  The Pearl on this ring is very seldom seen, a white fine lustre pearl from the Pinctada species.  A very fine example from the Gulf of Bahrain. The pearl has a beautiful silky lustre with silvery white overtones.  The diamonds are expertly set on the shoulders of a pierced migrain designed band.  The decorative shoulders lead down to a polished smooth shank , which allows for easy sizing and a comfortable fit.  These type of examples were given as engagement rings, so very few examples remain in this pristine condition.   This rare Edwardian era beauty would make a perfect engagement ring, gift for that special someone or addition to any rare early collection. 

Note: Appraisal included with the ring and GIA documentation. Identification report 1172433384.  Appraised at $11 500.00 plus GST $575.00 = $12 075.00 Total 

Comments: Very Rare pristine example and masterfully crafted.  

History: 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. ... According to legend, Cleopatra crushed a pearl into a glass of wine to prove to Marc Antony that she could give the most expensive dinner in history. 

Bahrain (the Arabian Gulf's magical Island Kingdom and a true Garden of Eden) is the world's premier location of Natural Pearls and is steeped in pearling history. Virtually every ancient author when describing the islands of Bahrain mentions the fine pearls found in its waters.

In the early part of the 1900s the area near what is Dubai had some of the cleanest waters in the world and without oil it had an endless supply of divers who lived in grass huts, consistent with an average temperature of 110 F or 43 C. 

The area had mollusk called Pinctada Maxima, in which the shells were used for Mother Of Pearl buttons and cuff links, and other types of jewelry such as paintings on crystals. In one out of $100 000 mollusks recovered, the diver would find a natural pearl. That is how rare this pearl is. 

The Edwardian era of the Edwardian period of British history covers the brief reign of King Edward VII, 1901 to 1910, and it extended to the start of the First World War. The death of Queen Victoria in 1901 marked the end of the Victorian era.  

Marcus And Co. The American jewelry firm of Marcus & Co.is best known for their Art Nouveau jewelry and silver. In 1892, when Herman Marcus and his son William opened Marcus & Company at 857 Broadway in New York, Herman Marcus was already well known and respected by the New York City jewelry community. Born and raised in Germany, he had moved to the city in 1850. His knowledge of European trends and previous experience at Ellemeyer, court jewelers of Dresden, won him jobs at Ball, Black, and Co. as well as at Tiffany & Co..1 He was also a partner in the prestigious firm Starr and Marcus before going into business with his son.

In 1900, the firm exhibited beautiful orchid motif brooches, featuring plique-à-jour enameling, at Paris’s Exposition Universelle.2The firm’s designs were of high quality, and are still among the best examples of American Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts jewelry.3

One of the few to work in a Art Nouveau style, Marcus designed ornaments that were notable for their strong color notes in gemstones and enamels an the use of vaguely exotic motifs.4

Marcus & Co. continued to attract a high profile clientele throughout the twentieth century which included John D. Rockefeller. The firm closed for a brief time during World War II and in 1962, it merged with Black, Starr, and Frost.

 

Measurements: Face of the ring 8.82 mm  x 8.48 mm 

Natural Pearl: 8.82 mm x 8.48 mm  Diamonds: .50 carats 

Weight: 3.70 grams 

Ring Size: 5 1/2 

Condition: Excellent: Pristine 

Origin: America , Marcus & Co (London, Palm Beach, Paris and New York) e. 1892   Pearl: Persian Gulf of Bahrain 

Date: 1901-1910 

 

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