Antique Chrysoberyl Button Ring, ca 1780

A Portuguese Chrysoberyl Cluster Ring, ca. 1780 This exquisite 18th-century ring features a cluster of foiled faceted chrysoberyls, expertly set in silver over an embellished gold band. Pieces of this nature were highly sought after by the Portuguese aristocracy during the height of the Brazilian gem rush, when the mines of Minas Gerais yielded an unprecedented abundance of stones. While many rings from this era were statement-sized and dramatically scaled, this particular piece is crafted in a beautifully wearable proportion—making it a perfect, everyday connection to the fire of Enlightenment-era design. Size 5.