This elegantly decorative Victorian ring has an unusual shield shape design, set with a rose cut diamond, pearls and black enamel. The intricate scrolling shoulders are ornately decorated in Champlevé enamel with a floral and foliate pattern extending around the back of the band. Hallmarked, with date letter for 1841.
- Full English hallmarks for 18ct gold, with city arms for London, duty mark and date letter for 1841.
- UK ring size P½, US ring size 8
- Weight 3.7g
- In excellent condition for its age. The enamel around the pearls is intact, with some losses to the enamel around the shoulders, but is no longer present around the back of the band where the engraved decoration remains.
- Free shipping worldwide and returnable for a full refund – see policy.
- Layaway available - reserve with a 30% deposit and pay in instalments. Please enquire for further details.
This ring was made in the early 19th century, during the Victorian era. The presence of black enamel and pearls indicates that this is likely to have been made as a mourning ring, although there is no inscription for a particular person. During the reign of Queen Victoria, it was customary to follow a strict code of mourning, with the wearing of jewellery restricted to certain colours and materials. Rings often featured pearls to represent the tears of the mourner, though they also symbolised purity and beauty. Champlevé enamel is achieved by cutting back the area of background and filling it with the enamel, so that a design in gold is level with the finished surface. This shows the high quality and craftsmanship seen in jewellery of this period.
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