Unknown Maker Mark - can you help?

[PreRaphaelite]

I have searched Lang and other maker mark registries with no luck. Anyone have thoughts?

 

[PreRaphaelite]

This is the closest match I’ve found so far but my eyes are so tired, I can’t really feel confident. I think it is the mark for Durand & Co., of Newark NJ. Am I crazy? Anyone have an opinion?


Source:

Durand & Co. Inc. | Antique Jewelry University

www.langantiques.com

 

[YadaYadaYada]

It looks like a really good possibility.

 

[Redwoods-hiker-girl]

This is the closest match I’ve found so far but my eyes are so tired, I can’t really feel confident. I think it is the mark for Durand & Co., of Newark NJ. Am I crazy? Anyone have an opinion?


Source:

Durand & Co. Inc. | Antique Jewelry University

www.langantiques.com

I agree -- I think you've found it.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

I’m still searching and reading but if this is Durand, the patent date refers to 1907, and you *know* that makes me happy.

 

[LilAlex]

I’m still searching and reading but if this is Durand, the patent date refers to 1907, and you *know* that makes me happy.

I don't know who would have used that nomenclature in 2007, if that's what you mean

And I have never seen a modern ring stamped there.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Here’s some info about the maker and his lineage.

Wallace Durand, born 4 Mar 1846, died 17 Jul 1921

(An interesting read, detailing some of his patents.)

-


Apparently the company had displayed $120,000 worth of jewels at the Newark Industrial Exhibition in 1872.

City’s Industrial Past Shines with Jewelry of Gold and Gems

Earlier this year, we began looking at some of Newark's major industrial activities – products that carried the city's name across the country and around the world. So far we have sampled developments in the leather industry, brewing, and cotton thread manufacturing. Today, we follow up with a...

knowingnewark.npl.org

 

[PreRaphaelite]

More! Here’s one of the two buildings:

 

[PreRaphaelite]

The family house is a museum, even. This is cool.

Durand-Hedden

Durand-Hedden House & Garden: Maplewood's Historic House Museum

www.durandhedden.org

Oh, and more descriptions on the diamond of note.

Durand & Co.

The Silver Research Files, Silversmiths, Jewelers, Watchmakers, Clockmakers, Partnerships

www.sterlingflatwarefashions.com

 

[PreRaphaelite]

An old map:

 

[PreRaphaelite]

A pretty piece:

Art Nouveau 14kt Gold and Sapphire Pendant/Brooch, Durand & Co. | Sale Number 2529B, Lot Number 451 | Skinner Auctioneers

www.skinnerinc.com

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Ok thanks for humoring me, friends. I’m satisfied that enough reading has been done, despite not finding the exact patent the stamp refers to (let me know if you can direct me somewhere).

 

[stracci2000]

Now we wait for you to show us the front of the ring......................

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Here’s a front view. This one has my heart on fire.

 

[TheGarnetGirl]

You're such a detective!
I'm the worst at finding makers marks!

Can you humor US, & show us the front of the ring?

(;

 

[TheGarnetGirl]

Hahaha


@stracci2000 we had the same idea!!

 

[stracci2000]

Here’s a front view. This one has my heart on fire.

OMG---I love a signet ring!!!!
I have a few, and I wear them often. And they're somebody else's initials.........

 

[PreRaphaelite]

I regret that I’ve washed my hands a thousand times today and not used any glycerine!

 

[stracci2000]

I regret that I’ve washed my hands a thousand times today and not used any glycerine!

I love the vintage lettering!

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Oh nice find! Looks great on you too.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Thank you!
I’m gonna take a stab and say, that I think the engraving is original, and the style seems rather clean, not unlike late Edwardian to early Art Deco. It’s not very architectural in style, but simply an oval expression of the Roman 4-line Rondel. Something about the corners of each letter looks folded, if you zoom in, and gives a 3-D effect resonating more Edwardian than Deco, perhaps.

So with the patent date, the particular blush peach color of the gold, and the engraving style, I expect this was made squarely between 1907-1914.
I wish I could find out who ordered it from Durand & Co.
Wouldn’t that be a scream!

 

[stracci2000]

Thank you!
I’m gonna take a stab and say, that I think the engraving is original, and the style seems rather clean, not unlike early Art Deco. So with the patent date, the particular blush peach color of the gold, and the engraving style, I expect this was made squarely between 1907-1914.

It's just lovely. I wonder who loved it before you!
A gold signet ring was a thing to be treasured.