Recently Sold (VR946)

Birks Keepsake - Vintage Sterling Silver Engraved Locket/Poison Ring. This pretty ring is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked STERLING and B for Birks. The ring features vintage Victorian revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. This lovely ring is made in the form of a locket ring, which has an engraved floral decoration on the top, and an etched border. The top opens up to an oval chamber, where you can put a small keepsake. The locket opens and closes perfectly, with a nice snap to the closure. The shoulders of the ring have a split design, which leads down to a smooth and polished band, allowing for a comfortable fit and easy sizing.  This vintage ring would make a perfect gift or addition to any vintage jewelry collection. 

History: With an investment of CAD$3,000, Henry Birks opened in 1879 a small jewellery shop on Saint James Street in the heart of Montreal's financial and commercial district. In 1893, Birks entered into a partnership with his three sons (William, John and Gerald), and the name of the firm became Henry Birks and Sons.

Originating in ancient India and the Far East, the poison ring eventually,made its way to Europe. The traditional poison ring has a very small container or locket hidden under the hinged cover. Ancient Romans sometimes used poison rings to commit suicide when a painful death was unavoidable. 

In the Italian Renaissance Lucrezia Borgia is thought to have used poison rings to elegantly off her enemies, although it has never been proven.  In the Victoria era these charming rings were known as locket rings which would hold a lock of hair from their loved ones or secret messages.

 Silver was discovered after gold and copper about 4000 bce, when it was used in jewelry and as a medium of exchange. The earliest known workings of significant size were those of the pre-Hittites of Cappadocia in eastern Anatolia.

The term "sterling silver" probably originated in eastern Germany when five towns formed the Hanseatic League in the 1100s. These town minted their own coins of 92.5 percent silver. When Britain sold cattle and grain to the League, they were paid in "Easterling coins".

Measurements: Face of Ring 12.00 mm x 13.50 mm 

Weight: 3.30 grams 

Ring Size: 5 3/4

Condition: Excellent   

Origin: Canada

Date: Circa 1960