Dating to c.1799 this exceptional antique Swedish piece was made during the reign of Gustav IV Adolph King of Sweden and the Georgian era in the United Kingdom. A beautiful 18th century panel ring depicting a portrait of a man in silhouette, reverse painted beneath glass over a strong blue ground, set in rich 18ct gold. In jewellery, silhouettes often refer to the profile or outline of a subject, typically presented in a single, shadow-like colour against a contrasting background. This concept is used to craft pieces that capture the essence of a person in a striking, simplified form, emphasising the shape without detailed interior lines or shading. Silhouettes have long been associated with elegance and a timeless style.
The rectangular panel is framed by finely executed verre églomisé, a decorative technique that involves applying gold leaf to the reverse of the glass. The origin of this technique predates Roman times and was revived by an 18th century French decorator and art dealer, Jean-Baptiste Glomy (1711–1786), from whom the technique derives its name. The result creates a beautiful optical effect that shimmers and appears to almost float.
The 18th century was a time of increasing prosperity, and jewellery design was heavily influenced by the highly decorative Romanticism, Rococo and Neoclassicism styles. Elegant, refined and detailed, jewellery was also worn to display status and wealth. A hand made Georgian era ring such as this would have been no mean feat. Georgian jewellery often symbolised love and remembrance, and portrait miniatures and silhouettes were often used as a way to hold loved ones close.
This exceptional 18th century Swedish Silhouette and Églomisé portrait ring retains its original closed back construction with clean, well preserved edges. The ring face measures 28 mm x 16 mm, flanked by tapered stepped shoulders. On a plain shank. Please note the boxes shown are for demonstration purposes.
Measurements: UK ring size approx. M – M 1/2, US size approx. 6 3/8, France size approx. 53
Weighs: 6.3 grams
Hallmarks: hallmarks are partially rubbed, 18K, tier of three crowns denoting Swedish gold, for 18ct gold
