ONYX SCULPTURAL BEAD RING

The organic heritage of the Geneva school

The 1970s marked a turning point in Geneva jewellery with the introduction of organic textures inspired by nature. This movement overturned the traditional codes of smooth polishing in favour of relief. At the centre of this sculptural creation is a perfect 10 mm black onyx bead. Its deep hue and absolute opacity offer a striking chromatic contrast with the metal. This second-hand ring is a fitting tribute to Gilbert Albert's avant-garde style. It is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.

Architecture and jewellery-making expertise

The setting is distinguished by its ingenious tension-setting system. Completely devoid of traditional prongs or closed settings, the structure encircles the onyx sphere solely thanks to a set of robust asymmetrical volutes. The body of the ring unfolds generously on the finger, while retaining its lightness thanks to the openwork spaces. The gold has a specific textured finish known as granulated or crinkled gold. This technique requires perfect mastery of casting to create an irregular pearl pattern that catches the light. As a result, the central stone remains fully visible from all angles of observation.

Why this second-hand ring

Buying such a sculptural ring second-hand is a savvy move. The cost of bespoke craftsmanship to reproduce such a volume of solid gold and such a complex organic texture would be prohibitive today. This piece offers an imposing visual presence and generous caratage for a rational investment. The casting methods employed here bear witness to an era when formal daring prevailed over contemporary standardisation.

Delivered contents and condition

The 750 title hallmark is clearly visible inside the continuous ring. This atypical size 55 piece has undergone rigorous and attentive care in our specialist workshops. Our expert craftsmen carried out a thorough cleaning and meticulous polishing to revive the brilliance of the gold while scrupulously preserving the integrity of the original granulated texture. The tension of the asymmetrical setting has also been meticulously controlled to ensure that the gem is perfectly held in place. This jewel will be delivered to you accompanied by its onyx ball and an elegant The Swiss Collector presentation box.

Guarantee and delivery

The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece with a 12-month guarantee. We accept returns within 10 days according to our conditions. As the leading second-hand retailer in Switzerland and with the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for an onsite fitting and collection or fully secure international shipping.