Barrel of Roses : Antique Early Australian Wide Cigar Band by O. Tucker of Adelaide in 15ct Gold

♥Sold♥

To truly appreciate the patina of antique gold you need to see it at scale, and scale is what this magnificent ring is all about. An extra, extra wide barrel or cigar band ring, handmade in Adelaide by O. Tucker in his little shop in Adelaide Arcade around the turn of the 20th Century, circa 1900.

While the jewellery shops of Birmingham, England were pumping out gold trinkets by the dozen, things were going at a much slower pace in Australia. Some of the the best and most skilled immigrant artisans set up shop in Adelaide Arcade, drawing a clientele of the discerning and sophisticated. O. Tucker traded for a relatively brief period of time from 1889 – 1918 and very few of his pieces have passed through my hands, but they have all been exquisite in their form, symmetry and wearability, with a preference for Australian gold and gemstones.

This wide gold band is no exception. The proportions are perfect, the hue of the 15ct gold is that perfect old rose gold colour. It is in remarkable condition for a 100+ year old ring with no signs of repairs or resize. A delicious and collectable piece of early Australian history you can wear every day.

Manufacture: 
Handmade in 15ct gold, hallmarked to the inside of the band O. Tucker, 15c and the crown in a circle hallmark that was employed by some of Adelaide’s finest early jewellers, including Basse and JM Wendt.

The ring is extra wide at 7.95mm with a convex (domed) surface all the way around, giving it a barrel like appearance. Weighs 5.67 grams

The surface of the ring is covered by a glowing gold patina acquired over one hundred years of daily wear.

Size:
Measures P 1/2 or 8 on the mandrel, but fits like an L to M / 5.75 to 6.25 or thereabouts due to the width.
Resizable, but not recommended as you would lose the gold patina that is part of its antique charm.

Condition: 
Excellent antique condition, ready for everyday wear.