Diana the huntress

Diana the huntress

This is quite an extraordinary ring, the likes of which I have not seen before. It is French, circa 1780. The high carat gold tapered shank supports a compartment with a three dimensional depiction of Diana the huntress. On a black ground is the figure of Diana, in translucent enamel bearing a gold bow and arrow, a gold crescent moon in her hair.  Her diaphanous robes have a sense of movement. She is accompanied by hounds with gold collars also in translucent enamel. The scene is covered by a domed crystal within a surround of rose-cut diamonds. The tableau is reminiscent of the portrait of Diane de Poitiers as Diana the huntress. The ring is size O [US 7] and the head of the ring measures 1 and 1/4 inches by by 3/4 of an inch. It has remarkably survived intact and in immaculate condition. This is one of those – how on earth did they do that?

sold

Diane de Poitiers as Diana the huntress