Mary Gage silver and amethyst "lily pads" Ring

A masterfully crafted, meticulously finished frame of sterling lily pads accented with tiny beading and elegant little wire swirls surrounds a flat-top amethyst gem in the vintage studio ring I am presenting here. This type of silver-work and the specific foliate motif is easily identified as created by Mary Gage, one of the most talented - and indeed most eccentric - silversmiths of the late American Arts and Crafts movement. I have had a few pieces by Gage over the years - she does not seem to have been very prolific or the owners of her work cherish it too much and hold on to it - and I was very excited to come upon this gem. Big and bold, the ring has an aura of romantic elegance about it at the same time and quickly feels "at home" on the finger. It is not signed by its maker yet it is widely known and accepted in the field that Gage was not very careful with signing all the pieces in a parure. I can attest to the veracity of the assertion myself based on personal experience and ask you to please, take a look at the two photos showing a cuff bracelet and matching ring set I sold in the past in which only the cuff was bearing Gage's signature...

Size / Weight: sz 7 1/4 US (easily resizable by your jeweler); face is 1 1/8" N-S by 15/16" E-W; 1/2" rise; 9.4 grams

Hallmarks / Date: not signed for maker but this is often the case with Mary Gage rings (please, see description above) nor hallmarked for metal quality yet tested and guaranteed to be sterling silver; 1930s

Condition: excellent vintage with delicate, perfect craftsmanship, beautiful patina and a lovely stone, with no damage and no repairs noted

Inv# 16022