The organic gold of this Gilbert Albert ring
Trained at the Geneva School of Industrial Arts, Gilbert Albert joined Patek Philippe’s design studio in 1955, where he designed asymmetrical cases until 1962, the year he founded his own jewellery house. A ten-time winner of the Diamonds International Award, the Geneva-based jeweller works with gold as if it were a living material, shaping it into irregular forms that evoke nature. This pre-owned piece in 18-carat yellow gold echoes that aesthetic. Its two ends intersect, each set with a pear-shaped cabochon ruby in a raspberry red hue, with an estimated total weight of 0.90 carats. The two stones face each other, their points opposite, in the design of a ‘toi et moi’ ring.
Architecture and jewellery craftsmanship
The band winds in an open spiral and is adorned with polished gold balls and drops in relief, whilst the interior remains smooth for comfort when worn. Each ruby is held by four slender prongs tipped with balls, which allow the dome of the cabochon to stand out. The setting is punctuated by 12 brilliant-cut diamonds, totalling approximately 0.08 carats, set in a closed setting within small gold tubes. Six of these are grouped in the centre, between the rubies, and three line each arm up to the shoulder. This setting protects the round cut of each diamond and accentuates the relief of the beads. In the light, their facets sparkle between the smooth, deep domes of the rubies.
Why this second-hand ring
The Gilbert Albert house ceased trading in the mid-2010s, and its creations can now only be found on the second-hand market. This Gilbert Albert ring brings together the hallmarks of his work – textured gold, cabochon-cut gemstones and closed-set diamonds – in a more understated design than his larger, sculptural rings. Creating such a relief in gold today and setting 14 stones in as many different settings would require many long hours in the workshop.
Contents and condition
The inside of the band bears the GA maker’s mark and the 750 hallmark. The ring is size 46. It has been refurbished by our artisan jeweller, who has polished the gold and checked every prong and every setting. The rubies show fine surface marks on their domes, visible at close quarters. It is supplied in a The Swiss Collector presentation box.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this ring, which is covered by a 12-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Refurbished – The piece has been polished and inspected by our master jeweller, who has restored it to its original lustre.
