This 19th Century ring depicts the well-known symbols for Love, symbolized by a heart, Hope by an anchor, and Faith by a cross, in black enamel. The panel at the front has a hidden lid, which can be opened to reveal a hidden, partially enameled compartment.
'Love, Hope and Faith' is a motto that was used frequently in antique jewellery, especially in the 19th Century. Its origin can be found in the Bible, where the disciple Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13: “Three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love".
Rings with a hidden compartment are often sold in the trade as 'poison rings', however, it is highly unlikely that this ring was used to poison a rival! Instead, these rings were relatively common in Victorian jewellery as a method of holding a memento, often a string of hair or piece of cloth, of a loved one close.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: US 8, UK P 1/2, circumference 57 mm.
This ring could be resized if desired.
The front panel measures 9 x 7 x 1.15 mm.
Weight: 1.60 grams
Material: The ring carries a faded hallmark at the back which cannot be read anymore, and has been acid tested as 14k gold.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1850s.
Condition: In great antique condition, with only minor wear, consistent with its age.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.