Due for release later this month, Thames & Hudson's latest edition of Diana Scarisbrick's book examines rings through the ages, exploring their history and symbolism.
Originally released in 2007, this extended and improved version of 'Rings: Jewelery of Power, Love and Royalty' presents over 480 individual finger jewels from different periods and occasions, compiled in a beautiful reference book. Specimens from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance right up to the 20th century are included, illustrated with beautiful photography, paintings and drawings.
Taken from museums and private collections, including that of noted gem dealer and art patron Benjamin Zucker, the coffee table book features a number of spectaular jewels at which to marvel. One gold gimmel ring inscribed in Latin, from the Zucker Family Collection, has a double hoop that can be split apart to reveal beautiful internal detail. A Cartier ring made in Paris is 1947 for the Duchess of Windsor catches the eye with a coral dome encircled by a crown of golden leaves, each enclosing a square-cut emerald and diamond. Another regal Cartier ring from the 1950s features two panthers with black enamel spots and emerald eyes, both clutching a cabochon sapphire engraved with the coat of arms of the Black family - a gift from Peter Black to his wife Monica on their wedding.
The perfect gift for jewellery lovers, this new edition of 'Rings: Jewelery of Power, Love and Royalty' by Diana Scarisbrick is available from 30 September. An art historian, Scarisbrick is a leading expert on engraved gems and jewellery and has written about them extensively in books, journals and exhibition catalogues.
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Gold snake ring with black coils and diamond eyes, inscribed within N.M DE ROTHSCHILD OBT 1836 © The Earl and Countess of Roseberry.
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The inside view of a table-cut sapphire ring showing its hidden detail.
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A gold ring with vine leaves at the shoulder and oblong bezel set with a table-cut sapphire. This ring was given to a cardinal on his appointment to the Consistory. Private collection.
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The first view of a ring circa 1800 with six hoops, each carrying a diamond letter, which come together to spell the word "amite". Private collection.
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The second view of a ring circa 1800 with six hoops, each carrying a diamond letter, which come together to spell the word "amite". Private collection.
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Two early 19th-century English rings set with coloured stones, whose initial letters convey messages. In the upper one, the word "dearest" is spelt out by diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire and turquoise. In the lower one, ruby emerald garnet, amethyst, ruby again, and diamond spell out "regard" – the most popular word in aristocracy. Mrs Nicolas Norton.
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Alternate view of inscribed gold gimmel ring. German, dated 1631. Zucker Family Collection.
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Gold gimmel ring with a double hoop inscribed in Latin, translated as ‘What therefore God has joined together let not man put asunder'. German, dated 1631. Zucker Family Collection.
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Two panthers, with spots in black enamel and emerald eyes, grip a cabochon sapphire engraved with the arms of Peter Black, as a present to his wife Monica on their marriage. By Cartier, London, 1956. © Estate of Mrs Monica Black.
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'Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty' by Diana Scarisbrick, published by Thames & Hudson, is released on 30 September and delves into the history of rings from around the world.
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A gold ring by Jean Fouquet, Paris c. 1950. Private collection.
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A bird's-eye view of the 3rd-century AD gold ring with point-cut crystal.
