The variety of ring styles continued throughout the century. Foiled gemstone rings with or without diamonds borders were common. The underneath of these rings usually had a fluted basket closed setting.
Rings that showcased black Africans were produced in the mid-18th century, often taking the form of cameos in banded agate or onyx, set with diamonds. The photo at the top of the post has an example of such a ring. It is missing a few diamonds but illustrates the style well.
Marquise rings were introduced after 1760. This lovely style, an oval with pointed ends, could either have a gemstone in the centre, surrounded by diamonds or central diamond in an enamel background. The style is still popular today as it is a very flattering, making fingers look longer and slimmer.
Hoop and half hoop rings were also common in the second half of the 18th century. They had closed backs and cut down collets. Paste was used as often as gemstones. They were worn stacked on finger
Like women, men wore rings with single gemstones. They also wore signet rings with intaglios and cameos.
Many of the gems were acquired during their Grand Tour, some Roman, others Italian copies, and were then placed into quite simple settings. Other men liked to make a statement, as was the case with the massive signet ring above.
navette jewellery 