Bidspirit auction | Bernard K Passman Black Coral

Bernard K Passman Black Coral and Diamond Ring 18K - Designer Ring: Bernard K Passman 18K Yellow Gold Genuine and Ethically-Sourced Black Coral Earth-Mined Natural Diamond (.50ct. H color, VVS1 clarity) Size 5.5 Signed: BKP Limited Edition: Number 130 of ?? Designed by world-renowned, American sculptor, Bernard K Passman (1929-2007), this 18 KARAT YELLOW GOLD RING is set with SCULPTED BLACK CORAL, the medium Mr. Passman is famous for using in his works, and a very exceptional quality earth-mined diamond.  This signed Bernard K Passman creation is a ladies contoured solitaire ring with inlaid black coral that is sculpted to follow the alluring curves, before sharply plunging down the diamond-bearing shoulder that tapers to an approximate 2.25mm ring shank. For this ring, Mr. Passman chose to set a top-quality, earth-mined diamond. This solitaire diamond is approximately one half carat (.50 ct) round, brilliant-cut, H color, VVS1 clarity is secured in a 14 karat white gold head with four prongs and a sturdy basket.  As in almost all of Mr. Passman's jewelry designs, the initials ”BKP” are hand-etched, most likely with a hand-held rotary tool, approximately 1/3rd of the way down the outside shoulder opposite the diamond. This ring is US size 5.5 and is extremely limited to alterations, due to the nature of the black coral.  If sizing is desired, please inquire with Bidfair Fine Jewelry for sizing capabilities and associated charges. The provenance of this ring is located at the bottom of this page, along with a brief history of Mr. Passman's interesting life works. 1) This is an estate item in excellent to like new condition. There may be some minor, fine scratches on the metal. 2) All weights, sizes, measurements, as well as the color or clarity of any gemstones or diamonds mentioned in the titles, descriptions, introductions, notes or anywhere in the auction catalog shall be considered ”approximate” regardless of the inclusion of the word ”approximate” any similar adjective. PROVENANCE: This ring was purchased in the year 2000, from a Passman gallery in New Orleans, while visiting the Mardi Gras city. The ring was worn and enjoyed for years by its owner, whose hand eventually outgrew the ring.  Due to the limited amount of alterations the ring is capable of withstanding (due to the inlaid design of the delicate coral), the ring has sat in a safe for nearly 25 years, and the owner wants the ring to be worn by someone else who will enjoy and love it just the same. ABOUT MR. BERNARD K. PASSMAN. Bernard K. Passman was a sculptor and jeweler, and founder of a black coral jewelry company and brand, Passman. Passman founded the eponymous Passman in 1975 in the Cayman Islands. He was commissioned by the White House, the British Royal Family, and others to create black coral and gold sculptures as gifts and public artworks. His work was a great favorite of Queen Elizabeth II and his works have been found in Buckingham Palace, the Clarence House , the  Vatican, and in the homes of many celebrities around the world. He was born in Iowa in 1916 to Russian and Polish immigrants and attended school in Sioux City, IA until he was 14, when the Wall Street Crash of '29 forced him to leave school and work to financially help his family. He was drafted into WWII, and would use his issued ration knife to sculpt, during his downtime in the Phillippines. After the war, and regular employment, Mr. Passman retired to the Cayman Islands, where he began using black coral, formally known as antipatharia. From there, his craft blossomed and he opened Galleria's in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, and more.  He continued creating until his death in 2017.