Art Nouveau diamond ring by Wièse. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond with an approximate weight of 0.57 carats in an open back claw setting to an ornately carved solitaire design featuring curving claws, exceptional scrollwork throughout and open backholing, the broad integrated shoulders featuring the female form taper through to a solid D-shape shank. Marked 18 carat yellow gold, signed Wièse, indistinct maker's mark, French, circa 1895, accompanied by antique Wièse box.

This piece is extremely rare. Wièse is one of the finest French jewellers of the nineteenth century and his work is highly sought after. Very few rings were made by Wièse.

During the latter half of the 19th century, goldsmiths turned increasingly towards the past, sourcing inspiration from ancient and medieval artefacts and reviving age-old techniques. At the forefront of these revival movements was Jules Wièse (1818-1890), who came to Paris from Berlin in 1839. Combining medieval motifs with traditional manufacturing methods, Wièse drew inspiration from Arthurian legend and other chivalric tales, as well as Gothic architecture and art forms. His work is highly sculptural, often featuring figures which could be either human or mythological in nature, many with a definite Gothic overtone.

Jules's son, Louis Daniel (1852-1923), joined the business in 1864, and continued creating pieces of exception in characteristic style Wièse were known for.

This ring is in excellent condition.