Antique Art Nouveau Durand & Co. 14k gold Zodiac Aries Ram Band
Title: Antique Art Nouveau Durand & Co. 14k gold carved Aries Ram Band c. 1918
Size: Bottom of the band sits between 7.5-7.75 on the mandrel -- fits smaller (~7-7.25) due to width/depth of band.
Description: Aries is the astrological sign for those born between March 21 - April 19. A fire sign, Aries individuals are said to be bold, ambitious, passionate and lead with their hearts. This absolutely exquisite Art Nouveau band, carved in 1918, showcases the Aries ram and its corresponding astrological symbol, which simplistically depicts the face and horns of the ram. In Greek Mythology, the symbol of the ram is based on the Chrysomallus, the flying ram that rescued Phrixus and Helle, the children of the Boeotian king Athamas and provided the Golden Fleece.
Ring weight: 11g
Ring/band width (N/S): ~9-9.5mm (varies with band scalloping)
Ring depth (max height atop the finger): ~1.75-2mm (varies with carved design)
Hallmarks: "14k" and a stylized horseshoe with a farrier's nail through it for Durand & Co. Inc.; Dedication reading "A.M.G. 8-12-19 E.S."
Other: "One of Newark's earliest jewelers was James Madison Durand, whose great-grandfather worked in gold and silver in 'Jefferson Village,' or Maplewood, as early as 1756. The young Durand is particularly interesting because of the route he took to become a businessman, starting as an apprentice, then working at the jewelry bench in an already established firm. Finally, he established his own business. A fledgling businessman in the 1830s, Durand, by the time of his death in 1895, had become one of America's leading jewelry manufacturers. His success was attributed by one of his contemporaries as 'plodding work, careful attention to details, vigilant and constant attention to the business, and a superior skill in design and workmanship.' Durand and Co. was located at 49 Franklin St., with salesrooms in New York City at 9 Maiden Lane. Eventually, Durand and Co. employed 125 men and had an annual production in excess of $500,000." (from the Newark Public Library)
Condition: Exceedingly rare piece, difficult to find other similar bands for comparison. Outstandingly crisp hand carving on this very rare and special piece, still surprisingly well preserved with hardly any loss of definition. Excellent antique condition with minimal-to-no evidence of wear -- as though it's been stashed away in a box for over 100 years.
Title: Antique Art Nouveau Durand & Co. 14k gold carved Aries Ram Band c. 1918
Size: Bottom of the band sits between 7.5-7.75 on the mandrel -- fits smaller (~7-7.25) due to width/depth of band.
Description: Aries is the astrological sign for those born between March 21 - April 19. A fire sign, Aries individuals are said to be bold, ambitious, passionate and lead with their hearts. This absolutely exquisite Art Nouveau band, carved in 1918, showcases the Aries ram and its corresponding astrological symbol, which simplistically depicts the face and horns of the ram. In Greek Mythology, the symbol of the ram is based on the Chrysomallus, the flying ram that rescued Phrixus and Helle, the children of the Boeotian king Athamas and provided the Golden Fleece.
Ring weight: 11g
Ring/band width (N/S): ~9-9.5mm (varies with band scalloping)
Ring depth (max height atop the finger): ~1.75-2mm (varies with carved design)
Hallmarks: "14k" and a stylized horseshoe with a farrier's nail through it for Durand & Co. Inc.; Dedication reading "A.M.G. 8-12-19 E.S."
Other: "One of Newark's earliest jewelers was James Madison Durand, whose great-grandfather worked in gold and silver in 'Jefferson Village,' or Maplewood, as early as 1756. The young Durand is particularly interesting because of the route he took to become a businessman, starting as an apprentice, then working at the jewelry bench in an already established firm. Finally, he established his own business. A fledgling businessman in the 1830s, Durand, by the time of his death in 1895, had become one of America's leading jewelry manufacturers. His success was attributed by one of his contemporaries as 'plodding work, careful attention to details, vigilant and constant attention to the business, and a superior skill in design and workmanship.' Durand and Co. was located at 49 Franklin St., with salesrooms in New York City at 9 Maiden Lane. Eventually, Durand and Co. employed 125 men and had an annual production in excess of $500,000." (from the Newark Public Library)
Condition: Exceedingly rare piece, difficult to find other similar bands for comparison. Outstandingly crisp hand carving on this very rare and special piece, still surprisingly well preserved with hardly any loss of definition. Excellent antique condition with minimal-to-no evidence of wear -- as though it's been stashed away in a box for over 100 years.
Title: Antique Art Nouveau Durand & Co. 14k gold carved Aries Ram Band c. 1918
Size: Bottom of the band sits between 7.5-7.75 on the mandrel -- fits smaller (~7-7.25) due to width/depth of band.
Description: Aries is the astrological sign for those born between March 21 - April 19. A fire sign, Aries individuals are said to be bold, ambitious, passionate and lead with their hearts. This absolutely exquisite Art Nouveau band, carved in 1918, showcases the Aries ram and its corresponding astrological symbol, which simplistically depicts the face and horns of the ram. In Greek Mythology, the symbol of the ram is based on the Chrysomallus, the flying ram that rescued Phrixus and Helle, the children of the Boeotian king Athamas and provided the Golden Fleece.
Ring weight: 11g
Ring/band width (N/S): ~9-9.5mm (varies with band scalloping)
Ring depth (max height atop the finger): ~1.75-2mm (varies with carved design)
Hallmarks: "14k" and a stylized horseshoe with a farrier's nail through it for Durand & Co. Inc.; Dedication reading "A.M.G. 8-12-19 E.S."
Other: "One of Newark's earliest jewelers was James Madison Durand, whose great-grandfather worked in gold and silver in 'Jefferson Village,' or Maplewood, as early as 1756. The young Durand is particularly interesting because of the route he took to become a businessman, starting as an apprentice, then working at the jewelry bench in an already established firm. Finally, he established his own business. A fledgling businessman in the 1830s, Durand, by the time of his death in 1895, had become one of America's leading jewelry manufacturers. His success was attributed by one of his contemporaries as 'plodding work, careful attention to details, vigilant and constant attention to the business, and a superior skill in design and workmanship.' Durand and Co. was located at 49 Franklin St., with salesrooms in New York City at 9 Maiden Lane. Eventually, Durand and Co. employed 125 men and had an annual production in excess of $500,000." (from the Newark Public Library)
Condition: Exceedingly rare piece, difficult to find other similar bands for comparison. Outstandingly crisp hand carving on this very rare and special piece, still surprisingly well preserved with hardly any loss of definition. Excellent antique condition with minimal-to-no evidence of wear -- as though it's been stashed away in a box for over 100 years.
