A bold and sculptural ring in 18ct yellow and white gold, attributed to Charles de Temple, c.1970. De Temple was one of the most distinctive British goldsmiths of the 1960s and 1970s, his work characterised by a confident use of contrasting textures — the rough, organic quality of bark-finished gold set against areas of high polish — and by a preference for large, dramatic stones that could hold their own against the weight of the goldwork surrounding them. This ring is a strong example of that approach: the 21-carat cabochon amethyst, with its deep purple and the smooth, domed surface of the cabochon cut, sits within a mount that combines the warmth of yellow gold with the cooler tone of white gold, the bark-textured and polished surfaces playing against each other across the body of the ring.

At 1.7cm off the finger and 13.3g, this is a ring that makes its presence felt. The combination of the large amethyst, the two-tone gold, and the textural contrast of the bark finish is entirely characteristic of De Temple's work and of the confident, sculptural jewellery design of the period. Tests as 18ct gold.

Ring size not recorded — please contact us to confirm before purchasing.

The Details

• Circa: 1970
• Weight: 13.3g
• Height off finger: 1.7cm
• Amethyst: 21 carats, cabochon
• Finish: Bark and polished (yellow and white gold)
• Hallmarks: Tests as 18ct gold
• Attribution: Charles de Temple