Mid-Century Brutalist Citrine Ring
Jewelry (Decorative Art), Ring • Unidentified studio jeweler or commercial manufacturer of the Mid-Century Modern era
Style & Movement
Brutalist / Mid-Century Modern
Medium & Technique
Yellow gold (likely 10k or 14k) with a textured 'bark' or 'nugget' finish; emerald-cut citrine or yellow glass stimulant, lost-wax casting technique
Creation Period
Circa 1960-1975
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 20mm x 15mm gemstone head; size variable. Rectangular faceted format.
Subject Description
The piece features a large, rectangular emerald-cut yellow stone set in a heavy, organic textured metal band. The aesthetic emphasizes raw, tactile surfaces and geometric forms common in 1960s jewelry design.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant wear visible on the metal surfaces and minor abrasions on the gemstone facets.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $450 USD (depending on gold purity and stone authenticity)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely a private estate piece; characteristic of mass-market or boutique jewelry sold in North America and Europe during the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popularization of 'Brutalist' design in wearable art, moving away from the delicate floral patterns of previous decades toward bold, 'unfinished' architectural aesthetics.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'bark' texture on the gold and a 'caged' setting typical of independent jewelry studios from the 1970s.
Condition Issues
Visible scratches and 'flea bites' on the stone facets; wear to the textured finish on the prongs and shoulders; potential thinning of the shank.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning with a soft brush and mild soapy water; avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone is a treated citrine or glass; check prong security for stone stability.