Details
A SPANISH OR SPANISH COLONIAL TOPAZ AND AMETHYST GOLD RING of circular openwork form, the central square-cut amethyst in a radiating double cruciform pattern of topazes, with plain gold hoop, circa 1650
The colour scheme in the above ring belies its early date, but in all probability the stones were chosen to complement the dazzling silks, velvets and brocades that found their way from China to Europe via the New World. This may be compared with an emerald ring recovered from the Maravillas sold at Christie's London, 3 Oct. 1990, lot 400 and an example published by A.B. Chadour and R. Joppien, Schmuck II, Katalogue der Kunstgewerbemuseum, 1985 no.257
The colour scheme in the above ring belies its early date, but in all probability the stones were chosen to complement the dazzling silks, velvets and brocades that found their way from China to Europe via the New World. This may be compared with an emerald ring recovered from the Maravillas sold at Christie's London, 3 Oct. 1990, lot 400 and an example published by A.B. Chadour and R. Joppien, Schmuck II, Katalogue der Kunstgewerbemuseum, 1985 no.257