Pair of antique French sterling silver napkin rings

The item pictured is a pair of antique French sterling silver napkin rings featuring ornate Art Nouveau floral and foliate designs, likely dating from the late 19th century. 

    •    Material: Sterling silver, commonly denoted by French hallmarks such as the "Minerva" mark for .950 silver or an 800 standard. 

    •    Design: Intricate applied decorations, often including mistletoe, vines, or sinuous leaves. 

    •    Origin: Originally developed in France in the early 1800s as a practical method to identify family napkins between washings. 

    •    Value: Ornate sterling napkin rings can range in value from $100 to $600 per troy ounce depending on the maker, condition, and complexity of the decoration.