Lot 142
John Donald: A gold and cultured pearl 'Drum' ring, 1969
Estimate: £1,200 - £1,800
Auction: 23 October 2024 From 14:00 BST
Description
The 11.4mm cultured pearl, within a textured 18 carat gold surround and band, maker's mark JAD, London hallmark, ring size L½
Footnote
John Donald (1928-2023) pioneered many techniques throughout his ground-breaking career. The organic form of the “Drum” ring was developed from the use of what he referred to as “nugget flakes”. The unique segments came from dropping molten gold into cold water. The “flakes” were then soldered together to form a series and then rolled to form the segments of the ring. An exceptional combination of artistry and craftsmanship.
A similar, but later, ring is illustrated in John Donald & Russell Cassleton Elliott's Precious Statements; John Donald, designer . jeweller, McNidder & Grace, Carmarthen, 2015, page 211. Another similar ring, made by Donald in 1976, is part of the V&A Museum's permanent collection (V&A ref: M.17-2006).
