You're A Keeper - Edwardian English 9K Rose Gold Carved 'Forget Me Knot' Carved Floral Foliate 'Keeper' Ring (EDR075)

You're A Keeper - Edwardian English 9K Rose Gold Carved 'Forget Me Knot' Carved Floral Foliate 'Keeper' Ring. This lovely ring is crafted from 9K rose gold, hallmarked 375 for 9K gold, a Birmingham assay, a letter date for the year 1918, and a makers mark . This ring features full crisp hallmarks, Edwardian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring showcases exquisite deeply carved detail of three 'forget me knot' flowers and foliage. The shoulders are also carved, whilst the band is smooth and polished. Which allows for a comfortable fit and easy sizing. These wonderful antique rings are difficult to find nowadays. Such a special treasure too be cherished for many years to come. 

History: Historically, 'Keeper Rings' held great symbolic significance. They were often worn alongside wedding bands, signifying an enduring bond and commitment. This piece of jewellery was considered an outward declaration of marital status and fidelity. Furthermore, Keeper Rings were viewed as a form of 'portable wealth'. Some historians have claimed they signified a different meaning in the Victorian era. They were used as pre-betrothal rings presented a year before an actual engagement. Therefore, the ring functioned as an early promise ring, deeming the intended bride worthy of keeping for marriage.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

Rose gold was first used in early 19th century Russia by the famed jeweler Carl Faberge in his famous Faberge Eggs, as was known as Russian Gold. Rose gold later gained popularity in the United States during the lavish and feminine 1920's, and was worn in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

By the 1st Millennium BC, metal jewellery was starting to be engraved using simple tools to create shallow grooves. Gradually the engraving of semi-precious gemstones followed, gaining increased popularity throughout the ancient world. For the Ancient Egyptians, stone was perhaps a more popular medium for engraving.

The Western traditions of wedding rings can be traced to ancient Rome and Greece, and were first associated with the marital dowry and later with a promise of fidelity. The modern exchange of rings derived from the customs of Europe in the Middle Ages as part of Christendom.

The Edwardian era corresponds to the reign of King Edward VII in Great Britain, whose short-lived governance (1901-1910) followed Victoria's long reign and preceded the modern House of Windsor in England. The "Edwardian" style broadly encompasses the years of 1901 through to 1919.

Measurements: Face of the Ring 20.00 mm x 8.00 mm 

Weight: 3.60 grams 

Ring Size: 7 1/2

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England, Birmingham 

Date: Dated 1918