This delicate ring was once gifted as a token of love and devotion, and shows us that hair was not only used in mourning jewellery!
The front of its design is shaped as a lovers knot, symbolizing an eternal love and bond. The shoulders of the shank are set with two table-cut rubies, and originally, the shank was completely coverd in robin's egg blue enamel; only traces of this remain.
Below the lovers know dangles a delightful little heart-shaped locket, also set with a ruby and decorated with blue enamel. The back of this diminutive heart is fitted with a glass compartment that contains a piece of braided hair, which likely belonged to the lover of the rings' owner.
A ring in a similar style can be found in: Rings 1800-1910, a Study of English and Related Designs, Verlaine Davies, 2009, p. 34.
General Information
Size: US 5.5, UK K, circumference 50 mm.
This ring cannot be sized.
Weight: 1.80 grams
Age: 19th Century, circa 1840s.
Material: Acid tested as being 18k gold.
Condition: In antique condition with minor wear, consistent with age. The blue enamel on the ring shank has worn off over time.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes. This shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import taxes.