For thousands of years, pearls have been considered the most coveted of adornments, with documentation of Chinese royalty receiving them as gifts as early as 2300 B.C. In Ancient Rome, they were the ultimate status symbol. Caesar passed a law limiting their wear only to the ruling classes. When Queen Elizabeth I reigned, she wore ornate gowns embellished with hundreds of pearls, as well as ropes of them around her neck and wrists. They symbolized purity, therefore giving the perfect image of the Virgin Queen who wore them in every portrait she sat for.
Pearls were difficult to obtain, because divers had to brave deep waters to harvest them. Their scarcity led to their desirability, and the upper classes clamored for more, leading to the development of cultured pearls. While this made pearls more plentiful, it also increased the value of natural pearls, as they weren't harvested with the same frequency.
This is a wonderful early French ring featuring a rare natural pearl with dark blue gemstone accents. The top is bezel set in silver, and it has a simple 18 karat yellow gold shank. The perfect ring for a mermaid, you'll love this precious historical adornment!
Details (approximate)
Size (can be resized): 7
Materials: Gold, Silver, Natural Pearl, Blue Gemstones
Metal: 18K yellow gold (shank); silver (setting)
Marks: French swan & owl marks
Condition: Very good Antique condition commensurate with age and wear