Friday, April 6, 2012

Mastery of Design: The Charles Ricketts Garnet Ring, 1899-1903


Garnet Ring in the shape of a castle
Charles Ricketts, c. 1903
The Victoria & Albert Museum




This ring once belonged to Miss May Morris, the daughter of the socialist, artist and designer William Morris.  May was, in her own right,  a well-known and talented embroideress and jeweler.

The artist Charles Ricketts designed this ring of a cabochon almandine garnet in a high setting in the form of a turret or small castle for May.  This architectural ring was favored by Miss Morris who was particularly impressed by the ring’s shoulders which resembled gothic buttresses.

Ricketts also created various embroidery designs for May Morris. The artist usually designed jewelry for specific friends. These pieces were made by the London jeweler Carlo Giuliano.





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