Description
An impressive and hugely important piece of c1905 British Arts and Crafts design by the wonderful KATE EADIE, of Birmingham’s Vittoria Street School. The demand and interest in her pieces has really sky-rocketed over the last 18 months or so, meaning that the very rare pieces that do turn up, are usually quickly purchased and taken off the market again.
Kate was part of the Birmingham School of artists, designers and craftsmen and she was the muse and wife of Sidney Meteyard, the great Pre-Raphaelite painter in the same group. She often appeared in his paintings and was well-accepted to be his muse.
She was a staggeringly talented jewellery designer and maker, who received accolades even during her time at school, for the quality and detailing of her work. She was a contemporary of Bernard Instone and also of George Hunt at the school.
This ring is such a unique, hand-wrought, statement piece- at first I believed the stone to be a Black Opal but I think it is more like a Boulder opal-and I have to say, that although opals do not photograph well, this is possibly the most fiery, glittering opal I have ever come across. The photos do not do the sparkles and colours justice. What an incredible antique opal- from Australia. I have come down on the side of Boulder, as when held to the light from the reverse you see the red hue which I think may be from the host rock of ironstone. Of course, from the front-you just get the sparkles of vivid turquoise, cobalt blue and bright green. I believe you can get a Black Boulder opal so perhaps that is the answer. I found myself just gazing at it for minutes on end. Superlative! It is also a large opal at approx 15mm by 11mm in size.
This ring displays many of Eadie’s typical features, her lovely, hand-wrought oak leaves on each shoulder of the double band, the copious squared teeth holding the glorious opal in place and then a lovely detail I haven’t seen before; acting as a halo to the stone in its setting, silver rope wire has been twisted in with gold wire to form the oval structure which really finishes off the ring beautifully.
This unique, beautiful ring measures as approx a UK N.5 and a US 7. Bound to be snapped up quickly as it is a one-off, unique piece of c1905 Arts and Crafts work. . In pleasing condition, with light wear to the surface of the opal in line with her age. No chips, cracks etc. A dream piece.
A beautiful thing indeed which will be sent by complimentary International Tracked and Signed or else by Special Delivery within the UK. Box is for display purposes only. Thank you!
