Austrian spinel locket ring c.1920

This is a locket ring set with synthetic colbalt blue spinel, made in Austria. Its production date is estimated to be between 1872 and 1922, based on the Austrian foxhead hallmark for 14k solid gold.

Additionally, the ring features a simple design with minimal embellishment around the spinel. The band is smooth and linear, without excessive carvings, reflecting the preferences of the late 19th century and the clean lines of early 20th century Art Deco style.

Flame-fusion ("Vemeuil") synthetic spinels have been marketed as faceted stones since the 1920s (Nassau, 1980; Webster, 1983), primarily in light blue colors as an aquamarine substitute.

The ring has a locket mechanism that allows the gemstone-set top to open, revealing a space for storing a memento. Visible evidence of soldering suggests that the ring was sealed at some point in the past.

The ring is in fair antique condition. There is a trace of prior tin soldering at the locket mechanism. The band shows signs of natural oxidation, and inside the ring is marked with the maker's initials G.B. and a German engraved name, Johann. Due to the subjective nature of condition assessment, please click and zoom in on our photos for more details on the condition as a basis for your own judgment.