It had been a remarkable trip. Edward, the son of a tin merchant, had spent two years touring France, Italy, Greece, then off to Constantinople and the Empire of the East. It was common for wealthy young men in the 1800’s to go on these lengthy coming-of-age sojourns.
Including a visit to Ottoman Empire was less common; however, Edward’s family exported tin from Cornwall to Constantinople and imported Malmsey wine. His father thought it an excellent opportunity to learn more about the family business and strengthen ties. Edward loved Constantinople. The city where East meets West lived up to the stories his father had told through his youth.
In the morning, Edward was leaving for England, his grand tour over. He had mixed feelings, sad to be looking back on his great adventure but excited to return home to family and friends. Before leaving, he wanted to find one final gift, something for his dearest sister.
He went to the Grand Bazaar and entered the maze of halls, a labyrinth of sights and smells – booth after booth selling silks, spices, carpets, leather goods, and jewelry, jewelry, and more jewelry.
Edward was amazed by all the jewelry shops with craftsmen filing, hammering, some deep in focus doing elaborate granulation, and others engraving fine details.
In one shop, he found a ring, gently domed with exquisite pierced-out sections, intricate engraving, and small diamonds along the sides. In the center was a “ruby” (Ruby, was what he was told, his family, several generations later learned it was actually a garnet. Gemology was not too advanced in the 1800’s and many red gems were sold as, “rubies”). To Edward, this ring embodied the spirit of Constantinople. It was a perfect gift for Eliza.
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One hundred years later, a jeweler purchases this ring at auction. Most of the history and backstory you just read is lost to time, but this jeweler finds the ring beautiful and intriguing. She brings it back to her shop.
Its details are worn after a century of wear, but she loves its spirit. She studies its construction and takes some modern liberties in creating a history inspired design. In the center, she sets a spectacular world tourmaline.
