Navette bressan enamel ring

Navette bressan enamel ring in 18 karat gold. Antique regional ring centered on an enameled plaque decorated with gilded arabesques on a red guilloché background. The shoulders of the ring are delicately worked and decorated with a half-pearl. This decoration is typical of Bourg-en-Bresse jewelry. Antique ring, Bresse, circa 1900.

Eagle’s head hallmark (french state hallmark for 18 karat gold)

Finger size: 54 UE or 7 US (small sizing possible)

Dimensions: 19 x 8 mm

Condition: small enamel chips, old setting

Weight: 1.96 gr

History: Bresse enamel jewellery is traditional jewellery from Bourg-en-Bresse. Its origins date back to the 14th century, when the town’s enameller, Maître Guillaume, was commissioned to decorate the pommel and scabbard of the Duke of Savoy, Amédée VIII. Between 1830 and 1900, the jewellery industry expanded beyond the Bresse region. In the mid-19th century, Bresse enamels evolved under the impetus of silversmiths Amédée Bonnet and Amédée Fornet, with the addition of gold flakes, enamel pearls and filigree arabesques.

The Bresse enamels are entirely handmade. The pearl or arabesque decoration is made from 24 karat gold and can be mounted on 18 karat gold, vermeil or silver frames.