An exceptionally rare and theatrical opening ring by Theo Fennell, dating to 1994 and representing the celebrated British jeweller’s most imaginative period of design.
Crafted in substantial 18k yellow gold, this extraordinary sculptural ring is designed as a miniature mechanical objet d’art, featuring a domed rock crystal cover opening to reveal a finely detailed spinning-top motif beneath. The hinged crystal dome is framed by a pavé-set diamond surround, while the bombe-form shoulders are decorated in richly executed translucent guilloché enamel depicting the Cuban flag in vivid red, white and cobalt blue tones.
Whimsical, technically sophisticated and unmistakably Theo Fennell, the piece embodies the jeweller’s renowned fascination with narrative jewellery and miniature curiosities — jewels intended not merely to be worn, but discovered and interacted with.
Dating to 1994, the ring belongs to the early golden era of Theo Fennell’s highly collectible “opening” and mechanical jewels, produced in extremely limited numbers and now seldom encountered on the open market.
The craftsmanship throughout is exceptional:
finely engine-turned guilloché beneath translucent enamel,
a heavy architectural gold construction,
precision hinge work,
and an intricately enclosed spinning-top element housed beneath the domed crystal cabochon.
Importantly, the ring survives in outstanding original condition and is accompanied by its original Theo Fennell presentation box.
Examples of Theo Fennell’s theatrical mechanical jewels from this period are increasingly sought-after by collectors of late 20th century British designer jewellery, particularly pieces combining enamel work, hidden mechanisms and narrative design.
Maker: Theo Fennell
London hallmarked, 1994
18k yellow gold (750)
Rock crystal dome
Diamond-set bezel surround
Hand-applied guilloché enamel decoration
Approximate total weight: 33.06 grams
Ring size: UK Q / EU 58
Accompanied by original Theo Fennell presentation box
Condition: Excellent / near pristine
A remarkable collector’s jewel — part sculpture, part curiosity, part high jewellery — and an increasingly elusive example of Theo Fennell’s celebrated imaginative workshop creations from the 1990s.
An exceptionally rare and theatrical opening ring by Theo Fennell, dating to 1994 and representing the celebrated British jeweller’s most imaginative period of design.
Crafted in substantial 18k yellow gold, this extraordinary sculptural ring is designed as a miniature mechanical objet d’art, featuring a domed rock crystal cover opening to reveal a finely detailed spinning-top motif beneath. The hinged crystal dome is framed by a pavé-set diamond surround, while the bombe-form shoulders are decorated in richly executed translucent guilloché enamel depicting the Cuban flag in vivid red, white and cobalt blue tones.
Whimsical, technically sophisticated and unmistakably Theo Fennell, the piece embodies the jeweller’s renowned fascination with narrative jewellery and miniature curiosities — jewels intended not merely to be worn, but discovered and interacted with.
Dating to 1994, the ring belongs to the early golden era of Theo Fennell’s highly collectible “opening” and mechanical jewels, produced in extremely limited numbers and now seldom encountered on the open market.
The craftsmanship throughout is exceptional:
finely engine-turned guilloché beneath translucent enamel,
a heavy architectural gold construction,
precision hinge work,
and an intricately enclosed spinning-top element housed beneath the domed crystal cabochon.
Importantly, the ring survives in outstanding original condition and is accompanied by its original Theo Fennell presentation box.
Examples of Theo Fennell’s theatrical mechanical jewels from this period are increasingly sought-after by collectors of late 20th century British designer jewellery, particularly pieces combining enamel work, hidden mechanisms and narrative design.
Maker: Theo Fennell
London hallmarked, 1994
18k yellow gold (750)
Rock crystal dome
Diamond-set bezel surround
Hand-applied guilloché enamel decoration
Approximate total weight: 33.06 grams
Ring size: UK Q / EU 58
Accompanied by original Theo Fennell presentation box
Condition: Excellent / near pristine
A remarkable collector’s jewel — part sculpture, part curiosity, part high jewellery — and an increasingly elusive example of Theo Fennell’s celebrated imaginative workshop creations from the 1990s.
