Monday, June 13, 2011

Mastery of Design: A Ruby Heart Ring, 1780

Heart-Shaped Ring
Rubies, Diamonds, Gold, Silver
1780
The Victoria & Albert Museum
For centuries, the heart shape has been a symbol of affection and everlasting love. This English ring dating to about 1780 is one of the earliest examples of heart-shaped jewelry. It incorporates diamonds, symbols of eternal love with beautifully clear rubies, symbols of steadfastness.


The old mine cut diamonds are, as was often the case, set in silver to enhance their whiteness, while the rubies are set in the same gold that comprises the rest of the ring.



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