Description
A rare and early 1900s hand-crafted ring, that shows the sort of applied wirework executed by William Thomas Blackband of the Birmingham School. I have attributed it to him, as I know of similar examples of Blackband’s of this type of curved wire detailing punctuated by gold balls. On occasion, Blackband, whilst working as a tutor at the Vittoria Street school, was directed to make pieces for Arthur Gaskin (the then Head Teacher of the school).
The ring could have been a Gaskin design, similar to the pieces found on p84 of the Arthur and Georgie Gaskin catalogue for the exhibition held in Birmingham and London in 1982. However, I do think it may have been executed by Blackband.
An unusual and very eye-catching hexagonal form with applied wirework in gold, in an open work design that gives such levity to the overall look of the ring. Matrix turquoise is set in a rub over setting. The gold highlights from the wirework and balls elevates the design too.
In beautiful A&C style, the band has a central rope work section. At some point the ring has been resized to a larger size, so some of the ropework feature is lost towards the back of the band as the extra silver has been added to the band. This does not affect the look of the ring at all. As you can see, there is some patina, so it would polish further. I did not want to over polish it.
A beauty of a piece- most unusual and very appealing.
All hand-crafted, surely a unique piece and a fine example of Birmingham’s Arts and Crafts jewellery c1905.
The ring measures as approx UK size M.5 (US 6.5).
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:dnhii
