Mid-Century Modernist Citrine or Yellow Quartz Cocktail Ring
Decorative Art / Jewelry - Single Stone Ring • Unattributed; likely artisanal or studio jeweler, possibly in the style of Arthur King or Andrew Grima.
Style & Movement
Brutalist / Mid-Century Modern Decorative Arts
Medium & Technique
Yellow quartz (possibly Citrine), 14k or 18k yellow gold; Lost-wax casting with a Brutalist texture and four-prong setting.
Creation Period
Circa 1960–1975
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18mm x 12mm (stone size); Ring size unknown; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A single emerald-cut yellow gemstone set vertically in a textured, organic gold mounting. The design emphasizes naturalism and raw metal texture over traditional polish.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface abrasions on the table and facets of the stone suggest significant wear.
Estimated Market Value
$450 – $850 USD (dependent on gold purity and stone verification)
Auction Estimate
$300 – $600 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely an heirloom piece or estate acquisition from the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war shift in jewelry design toward 'jewelry as sculpture,' where the setting's texture is as important as the gemstone's value.
Notable Features
Heavy 'bark' or 'molten' texture on the gold shoulders and bezel, quintessential of the 1960s Brutalist aesthetic.
Condition Issues
Significant facet wear and 'flea bites' on the stone edges; metal oxidation in recessed areas; generic wear to the prongs.
Conservation Recommendations
Ultrasonic cleaning; professional repolishing of the gemstone facets by a lapidary; check prong security; store in a soft pouch to avoid further scratching.
Collector Notes
Real stone