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Directory: Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 1499651

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Moylan-Smelkinson/The Spare Room
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P.O. Box 4684
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
tel. 410-435-3738

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The fine carving of the two doves along with their drinking bowl and the deep repousse roses on this band make this citrine ring extraordinary. This Regency period Georgian ring has a breathtaking band of repousse roses. Repousse is a time consuming technique of imparting a raised pattern to a piece of malleable metal by punching forms into the metal from behind. Because it is so time consuming it is typically done for larger, more important pieces. It is a way of creating beautiful forms on the gold-work without having a to expend a huge outlay of gold. The original Doves of Pliny is a mosaic of 4 doves drinking from a bowl and described by Roman historian Pliny the Elder. The mosaic was discovered in the 18th century and was based on a floor mosaic from the Roman Emperor Hadrian's villa which is believed to be a copy of a lost ancient Greek mosaic at Pergamon. The Doves of Pliny is a popular motif for cameos carvings and was often copied by jewelers in 18th and 19th century Italy. The fineness of the engraving and the chiseled repousse on the band make this ring extraordinary. Doves are ancient symbols of the soul, while the Holy Ghost is symbolized by a dove in religious compositions. The Christian allegory of doves drinking at the well represents the spiritual nourishment of the holy water, with the doves symbolizing the faithful. The Bible reference is from John 4:14. Gemological details: Cushion Cut Citrine of 4.45 carats US size 7 1/4