Estate Opal Gold and Enamel Thistle Ring, Likely Scottish

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Estate Opal Gold and Enamel Thistle Ring, Likely Scottish

About the Item

Very unusual vintage Thistle ring with a large round cabochon opal center (12mm in diameter) set in an intricate 14K yellow gold and green enamel setting representing the calyx portion of the flower, with naturalistic gold stems, eight in total, supporting the bloom. The Thistle is the emblem of Scotland, Lorraine, and the Encyclopedia Britannica. The humble wildflower was hugely popular with the local people of France and Scotland for its legendary role in defeating the enemy in battle through ingenuity. The strong symbolism carried the Thistle overseas when Scottish and French settlers arrived in the New World. It is featured in the Coat of Arms of Nova Scotia, on the flag of Montreal, on the flag and crest of Annapolis, Maryland, as a part of the crest of Carnegie Mellon University in honor of Andrew Carnegie, the University founder and famed American of Scottish descent, to name just a few. Interestingly, the Thistle, Carduus in Latin, is thought to have been the name origin for the renown Chardonnay variety of grapes. Carduus, cardoon/chardon in French, Cardonnacum is Latin for a place with thistles is believed to have been the reason for the name Chardonnay, Saone-et-Loire, the Burgundian village of famed wine producing region of Northeastern France (Wikipedia). The Thistle was thought to remedy headache, jaundice, vertigo and even the plague. In Medieval times, it was believed to cause hair to be regrown on the top of one's head. Today, thistle is cultivated for use in pharmaceutical compounds and luxury honey products. Very good condition, opal light lavender in color, light surface wear and good polish, green enamel and gold setting showing nice even wear. Tested for 14K gold. First half of the 20th Century. Size 5 1/2 US

Metal:
Gold,Enamel
Stone:
Opal
Stone Cut:
Cabochon
Style:
Romantic
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
first half of 20th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1887210158412