Recently Sold (VR499)

Lucrezia's treasure- Vintage 9K Gold Australian Opal & Seed Pearl Poison Locket Ring.  This exquisite ring is crafted from 9K yellow gold, hallmarked 375 for 9K.   Featuring 3 natural cabochon Australian opals, and 3 genuine seed pearls, exquisite detail,  quality gold-work and Victorian styling.  This amazing ring exhibits a central chased portion which opens up as a locket . The opals are Australian., exhibiting a beautiful array of colour in different light intensities. The decorative lid is crafted as an  envelope design and opens and closes perfectly. The shoulders are decorative and also set with an opal on each side. The shank is smooth and polished, which allows for a comfortable fit.  This Victorian Revival era piece is a true rarity, a wonderful find to be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the desirability of this ring. Value is based on gems, workmanship, and metal, so therefore this amazing piece is more so object driven. 

The first discovery of common opals in Australia was made near Angaston (SA) by the German geologist Johannes Menge in 1849. Both the Queensland Boulder Opal and Lightning Ridge fields attracted miners in the 1880's. ... He made doublets, jewellery, and was one of the first to buy opal by the carat.

History: 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. 

Measurements: Face of Ring 22.00 mm x 9.00 mm 

Stone Size: Opal .06 carats    Seed Pearl 1.00 mm each 

Weight: 4.40 grams 

Ring Size: 7 1/4 

Condition: Excellent   Note: Pristine 

Origin: England    

Date: Circa 1960