March Jewel of the Month
Hancocks London’s Jewel of the Month for March is this whimsical vintage diamond and gold kinetic spinner ring that could easily have been seen on any dance floor in the 1970s’ Stayin’ Alive era.
Designed by Norman Teufel, the original creator of the swinger ring, this ring is composed of three separate parts that masterfully move and spin independently from one another. Made circa 1975, the ring’s central cluster features seven round brilliant cut diamonds set in a flower shape, surrounded by two concentric circles of round brilliant diamonds, all set to a plain tapered 18ct gold band. Incredibly tactile, the ring packs a sparkling punch with an estimated six carats of high-quality diamonds. The spinning motion is cleverly designed and handmade with Teufel using a stainless steel centre shaft for strength and durability and stainless steel ball bearings.
In Teufel’s own words: “The rings are precision engineered with a counterbalance to create a smooth, fluid movement.” Guy Burton, Managing Director, Hancocks London, says: “This ring is one of the finest examples of vintage kinetic jewellery we have seen, it is beautifully designed and crafted, endlessly tactile and would make a wonderfully unusual and highly desirable addition to any jewellery collection. “A ring of this very same design was owned by the musician Sir Elton John and was auctioned by Sotheby’s in the 1988 sale of his jewellery. You can just imagine how the ring would have spun as his fingers danced across his piano keys!” Norman Teufel set up business making his motion jewellery in 1971 in California. His clever designs and finely made jewels were an immediate success and, between 1975 and 1981, he won the DeBeers Diamonds International Award no less than five times. Norman retired in 1991 and his son Cameron took over the running of the company.
Guy Burton concludes: “This ring really captures the spirit of 1970s’ jewellery, when jewellery began to feature yellow gold, textures, was very alluring, feminine and playful.”
Click here to see more images and a video of the ring in motion.