Recently Sold (VICR095)

Love You To Death - Victorian 14K Rose Gold Garnet Poison Locket Ring.  This rare ring is crafted from 14K rose gold, tested and confirmed.  Featuring 11 genuine rose cut and a flat cut garnet, exquisite detail,  quality gold-work and Victorian styling.  This amazing ring exhibits a central polished portion which opens up as a locket, which is set with delicate milgrain bezels of garnets. The surround is ornate open-worked scrolls of rose gold set with rich red wine garnets. The shoulders are decorative and also set with 3 garnets on each side. The shank is fluted (a characteristic of Georgian and early Victorian rings) , polished and smooth, which allows for a comfortable fit.  This Victorian era piece is a true rarity, a wonderful find to be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come. 

Note:  A contemporary appraiser can not value the ring for the rarity of this piece. It is recommended that this ring should be insured for $2000 CD 

In history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from June the 20th 1837 until her death on the 22nd of January 1901. 

 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. 

Comments: There are hallmarks on this ring, however due to antiquity they are not legible. The garnets are closed back ( a characteristic of Georgian and early Victorian jewelry). Closed back jewelry should never be immersed in liquid. To clean, wipe the ring gently with a damp (not saturated) cloth and pat dry with soft cloth. 

Measurements: Face of Ring 18.00 mm x 14.00 mm 

Stone Size: Garnet .40 carat 

Weight: 2.60 grams 

Ring Size: 8 1/2 

Condition: Very good. Some wear on hallmarks from antiquity and one garnet replaced at some point. 

Origin: England    Provenance: America 

Date: Circa 1860 

Appraisal Value For Insurance Purposes $2000.00 plus tax

Appraiser: Michelle Sillence