Victorian Etruscan Revival Pearl and Turquoise Ring

When Italian archeologist Alessandro Francois discovered an ancient Etruscan tomb in Italy in 1857, he introduced the world to a wonderment of magnificent gold work the likes which had not been seen since the 4th century BCE.

Though not much is known about this ancient civilization, the treasures unearthed by Francois forever changed the world of jewelry.

Images of intricately wrought ancient golden jewelry with delicate filigree work and colorful gems captivated the imagination of Victorians and energized many nineteenth-century jewelers to create their own inspired pieces. 

Skilled jewelry artisans began incorporating 2,000-year-old Etruscan techniques such as granulation, filigree and scrolled wire work and repoussé into their designs -- and with that, the Etruscan Revival period was born.

This exquisite ring is a wonderful example of the ancient civilization's influence on jewelry of the era.

Crafted in beautiful 10k gold, this jaw-dropping piece features layer upon layer of heavily detailed handiwork. From the repoussé band detailing to the individually soldered gold ball granulation, this ring exudes high Victorian Etruscan style.

The designer's pairing of single-point cut Persian turquoise with natural pearls gives this ring life! The slightly varying shades of the turquoise let you know that this piece has lived a full and wonderful life itself!

Turquoise is a relatively porous stone. As it ages and absorbs moisture and chemicals over time, the stones begin to change color and take on a more greenish hue, which is what you see here in this ring.