This rare antique late 18th century gold ring was made in France and features a painted enamel miniature of an elegant woman in bust form, encircled by a string of small balls. Size 5 Weight: 3.7gr. The oval miniature measures 21mm x 19mm. The technique of miniature painting in enamel has been popular in France since the 16th century where the city of Limoges became the centre of this technique. The process involved covering a gold or copper plate with a white base, before firing pigmented glass solutions with metal oxides in a kiln, each different colour requiring a separate firing due to different temperature requirements. Each separate firing presented great risk of the enamel cracking or bubbling, so great precision was required for a successful outcome.