Object Description
A wonderful diamond and gold kinetic spinning ring by Norman Teufel c.1975, made in 18ct yellow gold and composed of three separate parts that move and spin independently from one another, the central cluster formed of seven round brilliant cut diamonds in a flower shape, this is surrounded by two concentric circles of round brilliant diamonds all in claw settings, to a plain tapered gold band. This ring is incredibly tactile and great fun to play with, it also packs a sparkling punch with an estimated 6+ carats of high-quality diamonds. The spinning motion is cleverly designed and made and Teufel say they “use a stainless-steel centre shaft for strength and durability and stainless steel ball bearings. The rings are precision engineered with a counterbalance to create a smooth, fluid movement.” Even the slightest movement from the wearer results in the swinging around of the diamond rings and a purposeful spin with a finger tip will set them twisting and dancing at a surprising speed. 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 the company was continued by his son Cameron. 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 addition to any jewellery collection.
Maker
Norman Teufel
Period
Circa 1975
Origin
American
Gemstones
41 x round brilliant cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 6.3cts
Setting
18ct yellow gold signed N.Teufel and marked copyright 1975
Weight
16 grams
Dimensions
UK finger size N, US size 6.75 (inclusive of small sizing bridge inside the bottom centre of the band)
Centre cluster 1.1cm / 0.43″ in diameter
Overall ring diameter 2.5cm / 0.98″
Band 0.3cm / 0.1″ wide
Condition
Very fine
Directors Notes
A ring of this same design was owned by Elton John and auctioned by Sotheby’s in 1988 in a sale of his jewellery.