Vintage Men's Lapis Lazuli Ring

REF # E205R1L

Vintage Men's Lapis Lazuli Ring

This vintage men's ring with lapis lazuli is crafted in 10ct yellow gold, weighs 7.6g and measures 20.5mm long and 4.5mm wide. In impressive emblematic design, this Renaissance inspired vintage ring depicts a vividly-colored calibrated shield-cut lapis lazuli measuring 14.2mm long and 11.8mm wide graded 'cobalt-blue' color. Enriched with natural white 'veins' and the enchanting golden inclusions inherent in the natural structure of lapis lazuli, this authentic heraldry is framed by decorative scrolls artistically rendered in repousse gold and crowned in white gold with a 0.03ct single-cut diamond graded H color and SI1 clarity. The captivating broad shoulders and the curvaceous gallery are embellished with Renaissance and Celtic style decorative scrolls, inspired by the classic heraldry rings produced in Western Europe as early as the eleventh century. Such rings were primarily designed as a shield-themed plaque, in semi-precious metal and featured shield-shaped gemstones accentuated by a coat of arms or family crest. Shields constituted the basic element of European Royal Coats of Arms for centuries, depicting varieties of emblematic and heraldic inscriptions, designs, shapes and colors according to the geographical origin and the time period. From the 15th to 18th century, the 'lion rampant' and a crown decorated the first British Coat of Arms until Queen Victoria ordered the first changes in the decorative composition while keeping the shield intact. In France, the classic 'fleur-de-lis' motif continues to ornament the escutcheon of the French Heraldry. This uniquely impressive and symbolically meaningful ring features a well-constructed, spherical band and an easily sizable shank, stamped 'Gothic 10K' and a monogram within a lozenge cartouche and a 'K' indicating the goldsmith's initial.

The opaque, deep blue gemstone lapis lazuli is amongst the oldest semi-precious stones to have been used for and worn as jewelry. Its history dates back to excavations in the antique cultural centers around the Mediterranean, during which archaeologists discovered samples of jewelry crafted with lapis lazuli, left in tombs to accompany the deceased into the hereafter. According to historians, this blue-color gemstone was traded in Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome as early as four thousand years B.C, cherished as a stone with magical powers or even worshiped as a holy stone. Lapis lazuli was first introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great in the form of seals, rings or scarabs, under the name 'ultramarine', meaning 'from beyond the seas'. It was under this name that the 'Grand Old Masters' began using pulverized lapis lazuli as the deepest blue color available for their master-paintings. By adding this powder to a mixture of binding ingredients, the marble-like gemstone would turn into a bright-blue paint most suitable for watercolors, tempera and oil paintings. The blue pigment derived from lapis lazuli is still applied in the restoration of historical buildings and cathedrals. Lapis lazuli is an opaque semi precious gemstone consisting mainly of diopside and lasurite. In the unpolished form, it appears dark blue, often with golden inclusions and white veins from marble. Contrary to former theories, the twinkling inclusions which lend this stone the attractive appeal of a sky full of stars are not gold but 'pyrite'. Irrespective of this, however, its enchanting color and golden light reflections have been fascinating men and women for thousands of years!