Vintage Italian Turquoise Cabochon Ring

This vintage Italian ring centers a substantial 12.90-carat oval cabochon-cut natural turquoise, bezel-set in 18KT yellow gold. The broad, gently domed turquoise is surrounded by rows of finely worked rope-textured gold, creating a richly tactile border while keeping the gemstone itself completely uninterrupted.

The turquoise is broad, smooth, and quiet, while the surrounding gold is intensely textured. Rather than adding additional gemstones or ornamentation, the jeweler uses the gold itself to create visual interest and frame the turquoise's saturated blue-green color. A polished, tapering shank keeps the focus on the oversized oval top. 

The repeated rope pattern creates depth, catches light, and gives the gold a fabric-like quality, while the smooth cabochon provides the visual counterpoint. Neither surface would have quite the same impact without the other.

Stamped “18KT ITALY” inside the shank, the ring is approximately size 9.5.

Appraised Value:  $3,850