Art Nouveau Bailey Banks & Biddle 14kt & Opal Victory Ring

Bailey Banks & Biddle opened its first store in 1832. One of the purveyors of fine jewelry, BB&B were known for their quality of merchandise, unusual jewelry and customer satisfaction.

This fabulous Art Nouveau (ca 1900) opal ring from Bailey Banks & Biddle is detailed with 2 "Winged Victory" women. The "Nike of Samothrace" or "Winged Victory" was estimated to be discovered in 1863 but to have been created around 190 BC and is said to honor the goddess Nike, as well as a battle at sea. Conveying a sense of action and triumph, "Winged Victory" also portrays an artful flowing of drapery which the Greeks considered the "ideal beauty!" These winged beauties decorate the shoulder of this magnificent ring which has a large square opal set flush within its 14kt yellow gold setting. The firey opal has beautiful vibrant colors with hues of red, orange, blue and green. Richly detailed with Art Nouveau engraving along the band and around the opal, this is a simply magnificent piece of jewelry. It is marked "BBB" on the inside along with "14K". There is also a personal script engraving on the inside of the ring with two names and the year 1931. This rare Art Nouveau ring may be worn by either a man or a woman and would make any collection complete!

Measurements: The ring is approximately a size 7. The square opal measures approximately 1/2" wide and a little more than 1/2" tall.

Condition: The condition of the ring is excellent. There is no crazing to the stone (the opal is not dried out). There are a few very minor surface nicks to the gold which is not uncommon for a piece of this age.