Crete Rings - Iris Tanzanite and Green Diamond Ring

In ancient Greece, purple was meant social status and wealth. The ancient Greeks called the area where this clothing dye was produced "Phoenicia," a name that believed to mean "land of purple." This Tanzanite cabochon ring shows purple and blue-violet, depending on the light. On each side is a 22k granulated triangle with green diamonds.* 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. She then creates sheet and wire from this alloy for fabrication.  Ring band is sterling silver.

Available immediately in size 8.5, please allow 14 - 21 days for other sizes to be fabricated.

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

Photo © Cole Rodger