Rhapsody : Colonial Australian Opal, Diamond and Enamel Ring by Bassé in 18ct Gold

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An absolute dream of a ring. A trio of bright Australian crystal opal cabochons, punctuated with rose cut diamonds and surrounded by a sea of pale blue enamel in 18ct gold. The insides are just as charming with a full compliment of quirky early Colonial Australian hallmarks, including the small crown used by some of South Australia’s best early makers. This ring will delight on many levels, a true collector’s piece.

It is likely that this was originally a mourning ring. Blue enamel is uncommon in mourning rings but it was used for royalty or suggested that the memorialised was considered royalty.  Opals were also uncommon choices for mourning rings, but early Australian jewellers were known for experimenting with the materials they had available – and opals certainly were available. There is no inscription, so it is impossible to be sure of its intended significance, but if it was a memorial piece the subject must have been very colourful indeed!

The maker Frederick Bassé was born and trained in Dusseldorf, Germany. He was established as a jeweller and silversmith in Adelaide, Australia by 1881 and was known for his excellent work, especially with diamond and gem set jewellery. In 1909 his company F. Bassé & Co. was named Vice Regal Jewellers by the Governor General. Frederick Bassé died in 1913, but his firm continued trading until 1923.e & Co. Judging by the assortment of hallmarks inside the ring: BASSE, ADELAIDE, a crown, 18c, and a lion rampant – this would be one of his earliest Australian made pieces from the 1880’s.

Manufacture:
The opal cabochons are all very fine, in excellent condition with no chips or scratches. They are well matched, bright and lively – predominantly blue, green and pink in colour. The largest opal is 5.32mm x 4.63mm, the side opals measuring 4.2mm x 3.65. Each of the eight hand cut rose cut diamonds is approximately 1 – 1.5mm in diameter.

The pale blue enamel is set into channels on the shoulders of the ring, terminating in chevrons. The enamel shows no chips or scratches or signs of repair.

The ring is 6.84mm wide, tapering to 2.8mm at the back of the band. Weighs 3.8 grams. Hallmarked 18ct to the inside of the band, which has been verified by xrf test.

Size Q or 8.25
not resizable

The original Bassé ring box is included.

Condition:
In remarkable antique condition with signs of wear commensurate with age. The enamel and gemstones are in remarkably fine condition. There is one small crack to the back of the ring which is cosmetic only and does not effect the ring’s integrity in any way, but is mentioned here for transparency. Please see the photographs for details.

Ready for immediate and careful everyday wear.

Description

An absolute dream of a ring. A trio of bright Australian crystal opal cabochons, punctuated with rose cut diamonds and surrounded by a sea of pale blue enamel in 18ct gold. The insides are just as charming with a full compliment of quirky early Colonial Australian hallmarks, including the small crown used by some of South Australia’s best early makers. This ring will delight on many levels.

The opal cabochons are all very fine, in excellent condition with no chips or scratches. The largest opal is 5.32mm x 4.63mm, the side opals measuring 4.2mm x 3.65. Each of the eight hand cut rose cut diamonds is approximately 1 – 1.5mm in diameter.

The ring is 6.84mm wide, tapering to 2.8mm at the back of the band. Weighs 3.8 grams. Hallmarked 18ct to the inside of the band, which has been verified by xrf test.

Size Q or 8.25
not resizable

The original Bassé ring box is included.