Object d'art - French antique Victorian object depicting Aesop's fable... Every now and then we run into a piece that is the cherry on our antique jewelry cake. Such is the case with this piece. So much to see, the story behind it, so much to find out about and the pleasure of holding something in your hands showing such high level of craftsmanship.... one of the true pleasures in our trade.

We hope you will enjoy looking and learning about this piece as much as we did!

Details of this Stork ring:

Country of origin: France
Era/Period: Victorian, ca. 1850-1870
Condition: excellent condition, no trace of wear

Technique: The stork is skillfully modeled and engraved in silver that has been richly and yet tastefully embellished with gold accents. See the stork's crest, beak, claws, tale, and the outlines of the wings.

Material: 18k yellow gold and silver
Hallmarks: The ring is hallmarked with the French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838. We couldn't find any hallmarks on the stork.
Master goldsmith: Although we couldn't find any master mark in the stork, it is because of the level of craftsmanship that we think that this could have been made by the house Froment-Meurice.

Precious stones: One big baroque pearl used as the jar that the stork is holding, one seed pearl at the outside of the bottom of the "jar". Two little cabochon cut stones, one onyx and one turquoise

Dimensions: 1.46 inch
Ring size US: 6¾ (free re-sizing)
Weight: 17.30 gram

It is almost certain that this piece of art started as a decoration for another, even more, impressive piece. The way the ring to hold it, looks rather simple on first sight but we fully understand and support the way of thinking of the goldsmith who made it. It respects the original piece of art by a master goldsmith and does not alter it in any way. That is why we decided to offer it in the same manner as we found it.

Aesop's fable: "The Fox and the Stork":

At one time the Fox and the Stork were on visiting terms and seemed very good friends. So the Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and for a joke put nothing before her but some soup in a very shallow dish. This the Fox could easily lap up, but the Stork could only wet the end of her long bill in it, and left the meal as hungry as when she began.

"I am sorry," said the Fox, "the soup is not to your liking." "Pray do not apologize," said the Stork. "I hope you will return this visit, and come and dine with me soon."

So a day was appointed when the Fox should visit the Stork; but when they were seated at table all that was for their dinner was contained in a very long-necked jar with a narrow mouth, in which the Fox could not insert his snout, so all he could manage to do was to lick the outside of the jar.

"I will not apologize for the dinner," said the Stork: "One bad turn deserves another."

Antique and Vintage Jewelry
Antique Jewelry