This early 19th century eternity band is set with a colorful array of gemstones, each traditionally associated with a planet or celestial feature. Riotously colorful, it reflects the period's enthusiasm for both science and astrology. The exact correspondence of every stone is difficult to prove - symbolic meanings changed with the decades and the lapidary's beliefs/mood. But several have longstanding planetary associations: ruby with the sun, pearl and moonstone with the moon, emerald with Mercury, coral with Mars, and diamond with Venus. Chrysoberyl, when displaying a cats-eye effect, was associated with the descending lunar node. This is a mini universe in a ring, and a "white whale" piece for collectors.
MATERIALS: 10k gold (tests), 2.5mm coral, rock crystal, chrysoberyl, emerald, ruby, fire opal, iron pyrite, onyx, citrine, amethyst, garnet, moonstone, nacre, diamond
AGE: c. 1800
CONDITION: Very good - slight rubbing and minor chips to some of the gemstones
SIZE: 4, cannot be resized; 3mm shank