French Art Nouveau Lady Dragonfly Conversion Ring

A beautiful Art Nouveau lady dragonfly piece from the turn of the 20th-century that boasts superb craftsmanship. It was most likely a substantial stick-pin originally and was converted into a ring at some point in history with a newer shank (not done by us). This piece is most likely French in origin due to the highly detailed craftsmanship and the style of the design.

This is a quintessential Art Nouveau piece with the female profile combined with naturalistic butterfly wings, altogether forming a fantastical, dragonfly-woman hybrid. As a reaction against rapid industrialization in the late 19th century, artists and jewellers of the Art Nouveau movement turned to nature to seek inspiration for their work. The female figure portrayed with sinuous lines and flowing hair became a primary symbol of fertility, abundant nature and femininity as a reaction against the masculinity of technology and military prowess of the era. Elements of the natural world, in particular winged insects, were beloved for their sinuous forms and were frequently combined with female figures. The two form a beloved combo of Art Nouveau sensibility: fantasy meets nightmare, with central theme of metamorphosis. I love how the piece combines the sculptural, naturalistic elements with an abstracted, curled wired tail to create a statement piece as a whole.

A deep blue, brilliant sapphire glistens at the center of the ring. What's most unusual are the two tiny rose-cut diamonds on the butterfly wings -- they are green! A fitting choice of gemstones for the ethos of the Art Nouveau era that made use of what's native and unusual in nature.

Specifications

Unmarked, acid test to be 18k (both ring shank and dragonfly)

Total weight 6.93g

US size 7 1/4 on the mandrel. Dragonfly measures 26mm x 28mm. Shank measures 2mm wide by 1mm thick.
Sapphire measures 3mm by 3.5mm

Please note the antique box is not included in the listing.

Condition

In excellent antique condition commensurate with age. There are some scratches and oxidation at the back of the ring and at tight corners due to the ring conversion soldering and general age of the piece. There is an inconspicuous repair where the wire tail joins to the dragonfly wings, but there is a very small area of slight fire scale. The stones are all original to the piece. General light patina throughout, with a few tiny nicks on the surface of the wings. Please note that this is a preowned, antique piece and is therefore not in mint condition. Sold as-is.