A Mid-Century geometric blued steel ring comprised of a pearl flanked by gold baguette-shaped panels, in 14k. Marsh & Co.

This Mid-Century ring is a striking example of Marsh & Co.'s distinctive approach to combining unconventional materials with precious gemstones and gold. Founded in San Francisco in 1876 by George Turner Marsh, Marsh & Co. began as one of America's earliest galleries specializing in Asian art and antiques. Born in Australia, Marsh spent his formative years in Japan, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for Japanese art and craftsmanship that would later define the firm's aesthetic.

In the 1930s, Marsh & Co. began producing its distinctive jewelry, combining blackened steel with polished gold and gemstones such as jade, coral, and pearls. The firm's signature matte finish was achieved through a specialized process of sandblasting and bluing steel, creating a striking contrast with the warmth of gold and the luster of precious stones. This unusual combination became a hallmark of the firm's jewelry, reflecting a modernist sensibility that challenged traditional notions of preciousness.

In this example, the ring's broad, tapering band is fashioned from blued steel, its deep charcoal-black finish providing a dramatic backdrop for the pearl. The design is restrained, relying on the contrast between materials rather than elaborate ornamentation. The pearl's rounded form softens the otherwise rectilinear composition, while the polished gold panels create an interplay of light, texture, and color.