Posted 8 years ago
racer4four
(586 items)
This ring has Sterling as the only mark but my research suggests that this is probably by Instone (I bought it as that so hope I'm right). It's so nicely made and although I don't know what the blue stone is I love it's beautiful clean colour.
I hope Jean can help with confirmation.
Only problem? Only fits my little finger so I may need to resize it.
PeaseJean and Jewels1900 have indicated there is no definite attribution to Instone for this ring. It is possibly from Shipton and Co.
My thanks to them for sharing their knowledge.
Hi Karen, this is a interesting ring, I have the same but with a moss stone. The reason I say it's interesting is that I and Jewels1900 believe that Bernard Instone did indeed make these types of rings but under the name of Shipton & Co. http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/154931-bernard-instone-ring-and-pendant
Very, very nice Karen, and love the colour!!!
Also to add, Bernard Instone retired in 1963, so I think he did do work for Shipton & Co, around that period. http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/189759-shipton-and-co-moonstone-silver-pendant
This was a brooch I posted, it is marked for Shipton & Co. I have so many brooch in this style by Bernard Instone ( I think) it does get confusing. But in my own personal opinion, I am almost certain that Bernard Instone did do work for Shipton & Co. He also make jewellery for Sybil Dunlop. I hope this helps, Karen.
Thanks so much Jean for your expert opinion. I know you and Jewels would not make an attribution without supporting information, so I will carry on thinking this is by Instone.
Even if it wasn't I would be very happy! Even if there is a possibility it is not his it must be so close I am overjoyed!
I recall your moss agate set - beautiful indeed.
It's a great blue isn't it Judy! Thanks for the appreciation.
Well done Karen!!! Very happy for you....
Hi Karen, I think the blue stone is either Lapis, or blue agate. It's more than likely that Bernard Instone was the maker of this ring. He had such a individual character and didn't go with the norm, as you know with my Bernard Instone pieces he seldom marked them.
Very nice ring, I really like the leaves and the color of the stone. Are you positive it's a stone and not artglass? It's very nice either way.
Beautiful blue ring, Karen!
As Jean said, either Instone and Shipton made this model, with leaves and flower :-)
The stone seems to be rather translucent, so I think it is stained blue chalcedony :-))
Found this one, interesting description (and gives a valuation at the sold price...)!
Vintage arts and crafts sterling silver carnelian ring from lyonesse on Ruby Lane
https://www.rubylane.com/item/896152-001299/Vintage-arts-crafts-sterling-silver-carnelian
Elisabeth it may be glass but doesn't feel heavy or cold enough to me. I admit it not a lot of jewellery experience so my mind remains open.
Thanks for the comment and love
Pascale thanks for your interest and information.
I thankfully didn't pay quite that much for my ring and it's very interesting what the seller has to say about Shipton and Instone.
I will keep it as an unconfirmed but possible Instone and love it anyway :))
Karen, you did very well! These rings sit comfortably on the hand and this floral design is delightful.
As Jean and seller in the link, I think Instone and Shipton must have a collaborative relation :-)
And what's wrong with this ring on your pinky??? [;>)))
I'm still excited Pascale!!!!
KJ I'm just not a pinky ring wearing girl, whatever that says about me...
Thanks for thinking I might be lol!
Lol Karen! For me, hating to modify rings, I wear them on any finger they can fit :-)
But must say I prefer a big ring on middle finger!
Beautiful color Karen!
Thanks Rick, it is a lovely stone.
Ken I'm glad you like it! The photos turned out well for me, so thanks.
Hi Racer, these rings, brooches, bracelets etc are by Shipton & Co. They are often misattributed to Instone but those that are signed are always signed for Shipton not Instone. There appears to be a link between Shipton & Instone but no-one knows what it is. Although Instone is known to sell made up pieces to other retailers including Dunlop (she then marked them with her mark).
I agree with Kyra, the stone is chalcedony, I have a bracelet that matches with the chalcedony.
Thanks Jewels for your expert knowledge on this ring.
It's good to know it's still not a definite attribution to anyone really and actually clarifies for me the information I see online about these jewels. (there is no clarity, which is a fact in itself!)
It's nice to know the stone too , so thanks very much.
I have two brooches also I am putting up tonight that fall into this area of unknown probably Shipton and Co I think.
Hi Karen. The matching bracelet I have is marked Shipton & Co. Are you going to the next wentworth park markets? I might be able to bring some examples for you to have a look at.
Thanks Jewels, I can comfortably think it Shipton now?
I won't be at Wenty in October due to work commitments, but am hoping to clear some junk (oops, treasures) at the November markets.
Cool. That makes it easy. I can be a bit random with so many little boys zipping around my place. Let me know.
Just want to point out the striking difference in design and craftsmanship between your ring and the carnelian one on Ruby Lane and hope that'll stir some more discussion.
To clarify, note the underside of the rings.
Davyd, I think the carnelian one is older, it has a more "artisanal" look in the under construction.
These rings, Arts and Crafts inspired seems to have been made during many years till nowadays and construction surely evolved :-)
What is your sentiment about the differences?
This is gorgeous K and a grip of great info you've got going on! Very nice. I too find a pinky ring hard to wear but maybe with this one you'll get used to it. Love everything about it and yes, great photos...
Kyra, compare both rings with the group of carnelian and jade rings you posted a while ago. I can't claim extensive knowledge of Instone and Shipton & Co work but the signed and verified pieces from both makers differ quite a bit from these rings (I don't count "attributed" pieces or even pieces marked BI unless documented beyond any doubt). They are certainly "in the style of" but as beautiful as they are, the workmanship does not measure up. Additionally, being a mass (more or less) manufacturer, wasn't Shipton &Co required to have the full set of British hallmarks on their items, and that's what we see on their signed pieces.
Davyd, thanks for clarifying your thoughts!
The rings (carnelian, jade, sodalite) I posted previously are from unknown makers, all have the early double shank.
Jewels1900 told the leaves, parts of their construction, were components molded/stamped and exported for jewellery makers, it seems mainly US.
The leaves and construction in Karen's ring are similar to Shipton and Instone's unmarked pieces. So, this is only a guess :-)
Yes, Kyra, still the construction is quite different between all those and the signed pieces, in particular, the way the bezel looks from the underside (width/depth), how it connects to the shank and also the finishing/polish. That much difference is enough for me to remain sceptic.
Davyd and Kyra- thanks so much for your ongoing comments.
I am following them with a great deal of interest. Intelligent discussion between knowledgeable people is great.
A brooch, Shipton mark, not same leaves, same chalcedony:
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/252567021214?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Thanks Kyra.