An 18ct yellow gold ring by Mauboussin Paris, c.1980, centred on a large oval amethyst inlaid with mother of pearl — the iridescent white of the mother of pearl set into the deep purple of the amethyst, the two materials sharing the face of the stone in a treatment that is characteristic of Mauboussin's approach to colour and surface. At 1.6 × 2.3cm the face of the ring is generous, the scale allowing the contrast between the two materials to be fully appreciated.

Mauboussin, founded in Paris in 1827 and long established on the Place Vendôme, is one of the great French jewellery houses — a maker whose work sits alongside Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels in the hierarchy of Parisian fine jewellery. A signed Mauboussin piece carries the full weight of that heritage. The ring is signed to the inside of the shank: Mauboussin Paris 750 T51 A3408, with French assay and maker's marks to the outside of the shanks. At 14.8g it has a satisfying presence on the finger.

Ring size K½ (UK).

The Details

• Circa: 1980
• Weight: 14.8g
• Face dimensions: 1.6 × 2.3cm
• Ring size: K½ (UK)
• Hallmarks: French assay and maker's marks (exterior shanks); signed Mauboussin Paris 750 T51 A3408 (interior)
• Maker: Mauboussin, Paris, est. 1827