In ancient Greek mythology, Ariadne is best known for having helped Theseus escape the Minotaur on the island of Crete. Rubies appeared in classical Greek texts from the 1st century scholar Pliny. Ancient soldiers and warriors wore rubies to help them stay safe in battle. They believed that the blood-red gemstone kept the heart pumping and the body fighting. This ruby cabochon ring has two beautiful granulated teardrops in 22 karat gold with tiny red (cognac) diamonds in the centers.*

Granulation is an ancient technique, mastered by relatively few goldsmiths. It takes years of practice using the purest of metals. Each tiny granule is made by hand, and making enough for one piece of jewelry can take weeks, then placed one by one using a tiny brush. The piece is heated almost to the melting point. At that precise moment, the granules fuse and become one with the item being granulated. The technique is evident in museum collections featuring ancient jewelry. The 22 karat gold is a special alloy the artist makes, giving it a purity of 98% gold. Sheet and wire is created from this alloy for fabrication.  Ring band is sterling silver.

 Available immediately in size 8.  Signed on the back. Please allow 14 - 21 days for all other sizes.

*please note colored stones, including diamonds, may have been heat or otherwise enhanced for color.

Photo © Cole Rodger