Description
RESERVED for T only *******
A scarce and statement thing indeed. Barbara Instone, Bernard’s wife, had this design in citrine and it was said to be her favourite ring by Bernard. She was known to wear it often. This example is set with a vivid, large faceted amethyst, which I believe is most likely a Siberian amethyst because of the colour intensity. It is a book piece, appearing on page 119 of Tracy Henriksen’s book ” Bernard Instone: Designer and Craftsman the art of a jeweller”. Barbara’s own ring is shown in the image next to it.
The navette-shaped face of the ring is executed in an openwork style, with tiny forget-me-not flowers highlighted in gold. It has a wide silver band with two horizontal grooves at each shoulder; a typical band for Bernard. It makes a beautiful statement on the finger, being approx 2.8cm from North to South. The beautiful stone is intense and vivid in colour.
I believe it to be an early prototype of Bernard’s , as you can see the rather “rustic” way it has been constructed to the verso. This was neatened out in later versions of this design. In very good condition, the ring measures as approx UK P.5 (approx US 8). I love the double serpent’s tongue claws retaining the stone….they are again, quite typical in some of Bernard’s earlier pieces.
I will send in a new gift box as the boxes in the images are for display only. Complimentary international tracked or else Special Delivery within the UK. Thank you.
Ref:
