Art Nouveau Carter Howe & Co. Moonstone and Diamond Floral Gold Ring
Carter, Howe & Co. / Carter, Gough & Co. Moonstone and Diamond Gold Ring – Size 6.5
This elegant Art Nouveau ring showcases a luminous moonstone cabochon set in warm 14K gold, framed by finely sculpted floral motifs that reflect the poetic design language of the early twentieth century. The graceful composition is characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement, a period when jewelers embraced nature as a source of inspiration and favored fluid, organic forms over rigid symmetry.
At the center of the design rests a glowing moonstone cabochon, admired for its delicate adularescent shimmer. Rather than emphasizing brilliance through faceting, Art Nouveau jewelers often selected moonstone for its mysterious inner light and ethereal appearance. The smooth cabochon cut enhances the gemstone’s soft glow, allowing the stone to reveal subtle flashes of light as it moves.
The shoulders of the ring are adorned with stylized floral elements, each set with small diamonds that add a refined sparkle to the composition. These botanical details flow naturally into the structure of the ring, creating a harmonious balance between gemstone and metalwork. Such organic ornamentation is a hallmark of Art Nouveau jewelry, where craftsmanship and artistry were valued as highly as the materials themselves.
The ring bears a maker’s mark attributed to Carter, Howe & Co., later Carter, Gough & Co., a notable jewelry manufacturer active in Newark, New Jersey, one of America’s most important jewelry-making centers around the turn of the twentieth century. Firms from Newark were celebrated for producing finely crafted gold jewelry, including rings, stick pins, watch fobs, and other decorative pieces during the height of the Art Nouveau era.
With its graceful lines, luminous moonstone, and delicately set diamonds, this ring beautifully captures the artistic spirit of its time and remains a refined example of early twentieth-century American jewelry craftsmanship.
Details
• Maker: Carter, Howe & Co. / Carter, Gough & Co.
• Era: Art Nouveau, circa 1900
• Ring Size: 6.5
• Gemstone: Natural moonstone cabochon with a soft luminous glow
• Accent Stones: Diamonds set within delicate floral motifs
• Design: Elegant floral shoulders inspired by the organic forms of Art Nouveau jewelry
• Metal: 14K gold
• Condition: Excellent antique condition
• Resizing: The ring can be resized upon request
Available now at DSF Antique Jewelry
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• Authenticity — examined and verified before listing
• Condition — carefully inspected and honestly described
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How do I know a piece is authentic, and can I trust DSF?
Buying fine jewelry online takes trust, especially at this level. DSF Antique Jewelry is a New York–based dealer with over 50 years of fine jewelry expertise. Every piece is examined for authenticity and condition before it is listed — we assess hallmarks, maker's marks, metal content, gemstones, and construction consistent with the stated period or designer. For signed pieces such as Cartier, Buccellati, or Van Cleef & Arpels, we verify maker's marks and signatures. We're glad to send additional photographs of any hallmark, or speak with you directly, before you decide.
Why does antique gold look different, and is surface wear normal?
Antique pieces were often made in gold standards less common today, such as 15ct (used in Britain only between 1854 and 1932), 9ct, or higher-karat continental gold, which give a warmer tone than typical modern 14k. Light surface wear, softened edges, and a gentle patina are normal and expected on antique jewelry — they reflect the age and authenticity of the piece, not flaws. We describe the true condition of every item honestly in its listing.
What do the hallmarks and maker's marks mean?
Hallmarks are small stamped marks that identify the metal standard, and often the maker, assay office, and date. They are one of the best tools for authenticating antique jewelry. We identify and explain the marks we find on each piece in its description, and we're happy to send close-up photographs of any hallmark on request so you can see exactly what you're buying.
Can pieces be resized or adjusted?
It depends on the piece. Many antique rings can be resized, but bands with all-around engraving, thin shanks, or gemstones near the base may be limited in how far they can safely go, and some pieces are best left as-is to preserve their integrity. We list each item's measurements as they currently are. If you're unsure whether something can be safely adjusted, contact us before buying and we'll give you an honest assessment for that specific piece.
How should I care for and store fine jewelry?
Clean gently with a soft cloth, avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and chlorine, and store pieces separately so they don't scratch one another. Remove rings and bracelets for heavy manual tasks. Antique gold is softer than modern alloys, so period pieces are best enjoyed with normal care. Treated well, fine antique jewelry lasts for generations — many of our pieces are already a century or more old and still beautiful.
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