The Sable Band

Look closely and the three-stone ring gives itself away as Victorian: turquoise cabochons, holding a steady robin-egg blue even in shade, held by hand-chased repoussé. It is back-carved so the light enters from behind — the maker's quiet trick. A dealer we trust brought it down from a Budapest family, kept in a bank drawer far longer than it was ever worn. It asks very little of whoever wears it next and gives back a great deal.