Large 6.6g Baltic Butterscotch Amber Silver Ring, 1990s Artisan Handcrafted Egg Yolk Beeswax Amber

✈️ USA DELIVERY BONUS: Fast tracked insured delivery London-USA 4-6 business days. Sent DDP: we pay all USA tax & duties. No surprise delivery fees!

This is a striking, hand-crafted, sterling silver ring set with a large and impressive butterscotch (egg yolk) Baltic amber cabochon framed by graceful decorative vine leaves and tendrils. Its substantial feel, slightly irregular bezel and graceful organic ornamentation confirm the ring was hand-made, probably in a small artisan workshop around the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall (1990s amber rings like this one tend to be heavier than earlier mid-20th-century examples, and less minimalist than contemporary 21st-century designs). The 925 stamp's placement on the outside of the band is highly characteristic of certain European guild and artisan traditions (especially in Eastern Europe) to ensure the hallmark remained visible. 

I bought this in Hungary in the early 1990s, and it always reminds me a of a ripe juicy Muscat grape (one of the varieties used to make the world famous sweet Tokaji wine) - the artisan may have felt the same, hence the vine leaf decoration.

The cabochon gives off a faint, sweet, pine-resin scent when gently warmed - confirming it is amber - and has a translucent quality with areas of cloud and clarity which capture light, making it appear to be glowing from within. Over the decades, the amber has beautifully matured from a lighter more uniform yellow to its current deeper tone with complex texture variation. In quiet, normal indoor light, the stone takes on a beautiful, earthy mustard-yellow tone reminiscent of antique wax - a colour that further confirms it as genuine, naturally aged vintage amber. But the true magic happens when it catches the light: it instantly awakens, shifting into a rich, glowing honey-gold.

Butterscotch amber is valued by jewellery lovers and collectors for its colour (caused by trapped air bubbles) and rarity (it makes up only 2-5% of all amber), which is created by trapped air bubbles. Baltic amber jewellery underwent a renaissance in the 1990s, and regionally distinctive pieces like this ring speak of this historical moment of hope and joy at the end of the Cold War.

ITEM DETAILS

ERA/STYLE 1990s

MEASUREMENTS The cabochon measures an impressive 0.8” x 0.5” (2cm x 1.5cm) and the ring is a UK size N and a USA size 6.5 (nearly 7). The ring weighs 6.6 grams, and the band is stamped 925, with an interior diameter of 17.5mm. The ring sits comfortably, and rises about 10mm off the finger.

MATERIALS Sterling silver, Baltic butterscotch amber.

SIGNATURES/HALLMARKS: 925 on the exterior of the band.

CONDITION In great vintage condition, well preserved with only slight surface wear, consistent with age and wear. The silver's vintage patina attractively highlights the graceful contours of the vine ornamentation. Our vintage and antique items are in good working order, ready for their new owners to wear and enjoy. Antique boxes pictured are photo props and not included in the sale, but if you would like to source a special box, please get in touch, we may be able to help. 

T&C
All our vintage and antique items are offered in good/very good, fully wearable condition.

All parcels are shipped tracked and insured. If possible, we use expedited services. 

USA items are shipped DDP (direct duties paid) so there are no extra charges on delivery. 

Our shop is registered in the United Kingdom and has no sales tax nexus in any country, so YOUR PURCHASE IS SALES TAX FREE.

Apart from the USA (where customs tariffs are pre-paid by us), customers are normally responsible for import, VAT or customs charges that apply in their country. 

WE are happy to accept RETURNS, whatever the reason: if it's not right for you, send it back to us within 30 days for a full refund of your original payment. Buyers usually pay the return shipping, but please contact us if you need help with this.

Items will be securely packaged in complimentary gift boxes, accompanied by a dealer's note documenting our historical research. 

Vintage and antique presentation boxes may be available to source through us - please get in touch if you would like one. 

Thank you for visiting us! Alice xx