SOLD Luscious 18K Gold Italian Deep Sciacca Coral Cabochon Ring

Jewelry : Vintage : Gold : 18k : 750 : Yellow Gold : Mediterranean Coral : Sciacca : Sardinian Red : Cabochon : Ring

$850 USD SOLD
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Fit for the lair of Cleopatra, this unique ring presents not only the best of Precious Mediterranean coral, but one of the most interesting and inviting custom mounts that I have seen in sometime. Crafted of 18K (stamped 750) yellow gold, the mount is shaped in the form of a coiled asp, ready to strike! Coral is a perfect gift for any occasion, and is the 35th wedding anniversary stone.

The coral cabochon in this ring is of brilliant deep salmon to deep Sciacca in color. Hand carved and finished, the cabochon is natural and untreated, thus exhibiting Mother Nature's glorious fingerprint (see our super enlarged photos). The light refraction of natural Precious coral has a specific light refraction that is a treat for the eyes, unlike treated AAA gem quality and dyed coral which is flat and pasty. The custom coiled bezel rises off the finger over 1/2", with the entire face of the ring measuring 22.5mm tall by 14.5mm wide (just over 7/8" by 9/16"). The long oval cabochon itself measures 19.5x12x7mm. Four prongs hug the stone like the mouths of four snakes, coiling up from the ring shank with 1.5mm strips of gold, each meticulously placed and scored (engraved). The resulting color play from the buttery yellow 18K gold and natural coral is fabulous. Stamped "750" and currently in its original size of 5.5 U.S. The total weight is 8.9 grams.

When Cleopatra VII ascended the Egyptian throne, she was only seventeen. She reigned as Queen and Pharaoh between 51 and 30 BC, dying at the age of 39. As the famed Queen of the Nile and ill fated lover of the Roman Empire's own Marc Antony, the entire Mediterranean Region and the world is still today captivated by her charms. Cleopatra took her life with the poisonous venom of a cobra upon hearing of Marc Antony's suicide by knife, when he was misinformed of his lover's death. Recent announcements earlier this year that archaeologists may have discovered the two lovers' tomb west of Alexandria, Egypt have caused quite a stir. Because of the near cult worship and romance that has grown around the story of star crossed lovers, some predict that the discovery of the couple's tombs could be even bigger than the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. The excavation of King Tut's tomb sparked and set into motion the famed Egyptian Revival Period, marked by designs that Cleopatra would have loved, and still having ramifications on the modern jewelry market.

Marc Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide after their defeat in the battle of Actium in 31 BC, he with a knife and she reputedly with the fangs of a cobra pressed to her breast. This ring design is a tribute to her eternal fascination with the almighty cobra snake, and painful and euphoric demise thereby. 2009 may just be the year of a new Egyptian Revival Period, making this the ring of the year! Updates as recently as Mid-April 2009 from the excavation site give merit to a soon forthcoming announcement.

Natural Mediterranean coral and 18K yellow gold are the perfect companions. No woman can resist the charms of this one of a kind ring, destined to win her heart. It will be delivered in an elegant rosewood and leather presentation case, perfect for gift giving and storage. In addition, we will include a copy of our easy coral care instructions, to keep this ring poised for delight and enchantment for generations to come.

Item ID: C-1558

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Say thank you for 35 years!