Man’s ring c. 1725 - 1750

This ring, residing here at the Rijksmuseum, is an anonymous creation. The central element is its arrangement of clustered gemstones, dominated by a sizable, oval-cut gem. The arrangement of smaller stones emphasizes the diamond's size and draws the eye towards its crystalline structure. This orientation is a deliberate choice that gives the ring its visual appeal. We could see this ring as a kind of semiotic object, laden with cultural codes. It transcends mere ornamentation, becoming a symbol of status and material culture. The ring's very structure embodies a play between surface and depth, transparency and opacity. The ring challenges traditional concepts, embodying a discourse on the ephemeral nature of value and the subjective nature of beauty.