Georg Jensen Moonlight Grapes Sterling Silver Ring No. 46C
Jewelry (Ring) · Georg Jensen (Denmark), founded in 1904. Jensen is one of the world's most renowned silversmiths, famous for blending Art Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics with impeccable craftsmanship.
Pattern: Moonlight Grapes (originally based on a 1918 design by Jensen himself), revived and adapted for modern production; remains a signature collection.
Type
Jewelry (Ring)
Maker
Georg Jensen (Denmark), founded in 1904. Jensen is one of the world's most renowned silversmiths, famous for blending Art Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics with impeccable craftsmanship.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid metal construction without base metals or plating.
Dimensions
Standard size 6-8 (adjustable appearance but fixed cast); diameter approx. 18mm; estimated weight between 4 and 7 grams depending on size.
Description
An elegant sterling silver ring featuring three spheres of varying sizes that mimic a cluster of grapes. The bypass design allows the 'fruit' to sit delicately on the finger, representing the organic 'Moonlight Grapes' motif which has become an icon of Danish silversmithing.
Key Features
Asymmetrical grape cluster, oxidized recesses, bypass shank, and the signature soft 'Jensen' luster that avoids the harsh glare of rhodium-plated silver.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid metal construction without base metals or plating.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized Sterling Silver finish. The crevices between the 'grapes' are intentionally darkened (oxidized) to provide depth and contrast against the high-polish silver spheres.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked inside the band with the dotted oval 'Georg Jensen' logo, '925 S' (purity), 'DENMARK' (origin), and the design number '46C'.
Construction Details
Lost-wax investment casting followed by hand-finishing, polishing, and chemical oxidation to create the signature Jensen depth.
Functional Features
Open-bypass design style where the spheres meet at the top; the band tapers toward the bottom for ergonomic comfort.
Handle & Grip Details
Classic rounded band (shank) with smooth interior surface for daily wear comfort; integrated decorative grape cluster head.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits superior hand-finishing; despite being cast, the spheres show no evidence of seams and the polishing is consistent across the spherical surfaces.
Authentication Indicators
The fluid transition of the spheres into the band, the specific matte-to-shine oxidation pattern, and the hallmark placements on the inner shank. Authenticity is supported by the specific spacing of the 'grapes'.
Origin & Manufacturing
Copenhagen, Denmark. Manufactured in the Georg Jensen workshop, known for maintaining high standards of Nordic design.
Era & Period
Modernist revival of an Art Nouveau concept. While the original sketches date to 1918, this specific jewelry iteration is characteristic of Georg Jensen's post-1945 commercial success in global markets.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present. This specific contemporary version of the 46C ring is a staple of current retail stock and late 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Skønvirke' movement—the Danish version of Art Nouveau/Arts & Crafts—emphasizing natural forms and the 'honest' use of materials over mass-produced ornamentation.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The oxidation is well-preserved. Minor surface scratches (micro-marring) are visible on the spheres consistent with light wear. No signs of resizing or structural cracking.
Value Estimate
$200 - $350 USD depending on retail vs. secondary market and presence of original branding/box.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid silver dips which will strip the intentional black oxidation in the crevices. Use a specialized silver polishing cloth for high-points only.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen No. 51 or 52 rings (older grape designs with leaves); Tiffany & Co. HardWear Ball Rings (similar spherical theme but lacks the Jensen oxidation and organic clustering).
Interesting Facts
The 'Moonlight Grapes' motif was inspired by an actual silver bowl Jensen designed in 1918. The jewelry line was expanded decades later to bring the historic motif to a younger, fashion-forward audience.