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17th or 18th-century gold ring, filigree gold, 19 mm

17th or 18th-century gold ring, filigree gold, 19 mm

Regular price €695,00 EUR
Regular price Sale price €695,00 EUR
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This extraordinary, museum-grade gold filigree ring is a breathtaking masterpiece from the 17th or 18th century.

The ring reflects the absolute heyday of historic, handmade goldsmithing. The remarkably wide, rectangular head measuring 1 x 2 cm is fabulously constructed from extremely fine filigree wire and decorated with subtle gold cannetille beads and spiral motifs. This opulent openwork pattern captures the light in a masterful way and gives the ring an antique and highly luxurious appearance.

Not only the head but the entire ring band is a work of art in itself. The band is constructed from twisted gold wires (cable edges) and set with minute, diamond-shaped appliqués and floral motifs in relief. With a ring size of 19 mm and a fine, historic weight of 2.7 grams, this piece of jewelry is crafted from at least 18-karat gold.

On the inside of the ring band is the rare, rectangular maker's mark 'JK' (interchangeable with 'IK' in this period). This hallmark aligns seamlessly with the documented career of the prominent free burgher and goldsmith/silversmith Jacobus Ketelaar, who was active within the walls of Batavia between 1684 and 1728. Although the historical match is very strong, the attribution to Ketelaar is not 100% airtight from an art historical perspective; in theory, the mark could also have belonged to another guild master from the same period with these initials, or have been placed as an assay mark on the work of an unmarked Asian master from his workshop.
The ring is solely provided with this loose maker's mark and contains no European city hallmarks or date letters. From an art historical perspective, this is the definitive proof of a colonial origin. Whereas in the Netherlands it was legally required to strike four guild hallmarks, the guild in Batavia turned a blind eye to small, personal gold jewelry. Top masters like Ketelaar simply struck their own mark as a quality guarantee for the customer, directly from the workshop.
Fitting for the great age of this fragile masterpiece, the ring shows a few historic restoration traces on the back and inside, which further emphasizes the lived history and authenticity of this unique collector's item.

Specifications:
  • Material: at least 18-karat yellow gold (750/1000)
  • Weight: 2.7 grams
  • Ring size: 19 mm (inner diameter)
  • Maker's mark: JK / IK (Attributed to Jacobus Ketelaar, active 1684–1728)
  • Dimensions of head: 1.0 cm x 2.0 cm
  • Technique: Handmade filigree, cannetille, and twisted wirework
  • Period: 17th century or 18th century (Baroque / Rococo)
  • Hallmarks: Hallmarked with an antique maker's mark on the inside
  • Condition: Beautiful historic condition with characterful and visible restoration traces
Perfect for the connoisseur and serious collector of rare early-historic gold, or as a priceless exclusive gift. Order this unique piece of tangible history safely and quickly today!

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17th or 18th-century gold ring, filigree gold, 19 mm
17th or 18th-century gold ring, filigree gold, 19 mm
€695,00/ea
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