On This Day In 1875 - Victorian 15K Gold Almandine Garnet & Pearl Ring (VICR129)

On This Day In 1875 - Victorian 15K Gold Garnet & Pearl Ring.  This wonderful ring is crafted from 15K solid yellow gold, hallmarked 15ct ( British Hallmark) dated 1875, a makers mark and a Birmingham assay.  Featuring 4 natural antique cut round  garnets, 6 natural pearls, Victorian styling and quality gold-work.  This pretty ring is bead set and interspaced with purplish red rhodolite garnets and luminous white pearls. The gallery on this ring is beautifully detailed and very fine.  The sides of the ring are engraved with exquisite deep scrolls, leading down to a smooth and polished band, which allows for a comfortable fit. This Victorian era ring checks all the boxes, exhibiting wonderful genuine gemstones, full crisp hallmarks, and extraordinary pristine condition. It would make a unique wedding band, gift or addition to any fine jewelry collection. Amazing condition for a ring that is 145 years old. 

Comments: Contemporary Appraisals do not reflect the antiquity value of a piece. These pieces are more so object driven.  Note: 15ct rings from this time period are more rare than 18ct. 

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of Continental Europe.

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.  According to legend, Cleopatra crushed a pearl into a glass of wine to prove to Marc Antony that she could give the most expensive dinner in history. 

The garnet has been a popular gem throughout history. Garnets were found as beads in a necklace worn by a young man in a grave that dates back to 3000 B.C. This is proof of the hardness and durability of the stone. The King of Saxony is said to have had a garnet of over 465 carats.

Measurements: 18.00 mm x  6.50 mm wide 

Stone Size: Garnet .80 carats  Pearl 2.00 mm each 

Weight: 1.9 grams 

Ring Size : 6

Condition: Excellent   Note: Extraordinary condition.  This example checks off all the boxes. The gems are in wonderful condition, the detail (engravings) , gallery and shank is not worn, and it displays its full crisp hallmarks.  Very fine example of Victorian jewelry. 

Origin: England, Birmingham 

Date: Dated 1875