A strange and wonderful Victorian-era ring, modeled in bloomed 14k yellow gold, whose shoulders are occupied by a pair of dryads. These finely-carved maidens have long, flowing hair . . . their bare chests transition into a tree-like body, below which sprigs of plant life grow. The curling figures that decorate the ring's shoulders suggest the dryads' up-stretched arms, transforming into limbs. We think this unusual decor probably references the myth of Daphne who, fleeing from the advances of the god Apollo, was “saved” by her father and transformed into a laurel tree. These tree nymphs are posted to either side of the ring’s oval bloodstone gem, which is deep green and spattered with the bright red flecks that give the stone its common name. This gem is set in a smooth bezel. Above and below the bezel the ring is further decorated with a deeply-carved, Georgian-style, floral border. This ring has a big, mystical presence, and it is very flattering in wear. 

Materials

14k gold
Bloodstone

Age

c. 1880

Size

US 8 3/4. This ring can be resized; to add resizing to your order visit our services page.

Dimensions

Ring face measures approx 23.65 x 15.5 mm; shank measures approx 12.1 mm at the shoulder and tapers to approx 3.3 mm at the base; bloodstone gem measures approx 20.8 x 14.55 mm.