Double Ring

Marcus and Co. American

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 706

This double ring features two bezel-set rose-cut diamonds flanking a central rectangular cabochon-cut green gem. All of the stones are foil-backed, and the mount is elaborately chased with Renaissance-style scrollwork. The inside of one band is marked 'M & Co.' for New York City jewelry firm Marcus & Company. Archaeological revival jewelry was fashionable at the time of this ring's manufacture; it takes its form from 4th century AD Roman examples.

Prior to establishing Marcus & Co with his sons in 1892, German immigrant Herman Marcus (1828 - 1899) was employed by the prestigious New York City firms Tiffany & Co. and Black, Starr & Frost, and for a time partnered with the jeweler Theodore B. Starr. He was known for applying his knowledge of art and mythology to the jewels his company created. Upon his death in 1899 a remembrance published in “The Jeweler's Circular” stated "Few men who have ever been in the jewelry trade in New York have been more thoroughly versed in their business than was Herman Marcus." Marcus & Co. remained in business until 1942.

Double Ring, Marcus and Co. (American, New York, 1892–1942), Gold, diamonds, and emerald, American

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.