This lovely rose gold ring has a large oval setting, centered by a rock crystal intaglio. Originally, the intaglio had a piece of (likely coloured) foil behind it, and although its colour is lost, this can still be seen through the stone.
The intaglio engraving depicts Cupid rowing a heart across in a tiny boat. Above his head the motto 'IAY MON DESIR' can be read, which is an old-fashioned way of writing ' j'ai mon desir', or 'I have my desire'.
The intaglio is placed in the mount vertically and the text in mirror-image, which means that it was originally likely used as a wax seal, to close off personal (love) letters.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: US 7 / UK N, circumference 54 mm.
This ring can be resized if desired.
Weight: 9.40 grams.
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1800.
Material: The ring carries no hallmarks but has been acid-tested as being at least 9k gold: please note that this is below the legal gold grade in some countries.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. The intaglio is in good condition, with a tiny chip at the bottom of the boat: this can be seen in the pictures.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.