I named my jewellery site and shop after a certain style of ring – the navette ring. Navette means ‘little boat’ in French and so a navette ring is one shaped as a little row boat and sometimes more elongated, like a gondola It is always longer than it is wide and has pointed ends. A navette ring is often described as a marquise ring which is defined as a ring with a cluster of gems set in the shape of a pointed oval or as a diamond cut in this shape. It is a very elegant style.

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Antique Australian Jade Ring (on Navette at Ruby Lane)

 

Navette rings were first popular in the 18th century. They could be quite long, covering the finger up to the first knuckle but the style did mean that only one ring could be worn on that finger so the style fell out of favour for a time. It was not until the 1870s that the navette ring became popular again, and this was linked to the increased use of facetted stones.

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Victorian Opal and Diamond Navette Ring (on Ruby Lane)

Navette rings were first popular in the 18th century. They could be quite long, covering the finger up to the first knuckle but the style did mean that only one ring could be worn on that finger so the style fell out of favour for a time. It was not until the 1870s that the navette ring became popular again, and this was linked to the increased use of facetted stones.

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Victorian garnet and seed pearl ring, 15ct (at Camberwell Antique Centre, Shop 5A)

Navette rings are still being produced as the design is so attractive.

Vintage aquamarine and diamond ring
Vintage aquamarine and diamond ring (on Ruby Lane)