Paul Hardy Antiques

Description

Era: Circa 1820, Regency England
Gold Purity: tested at 18ct by acid method
Ring Size: K½, USA: 16¼
Band: 18 ct yellow gold, 4mm width
Primary: Hairwork under a polished clear crystal panel, approx 13mm x 6mm
Stones: Seed pearls and Garnets, closed back mounted
Setting: Split shank, openwork
Condition: Excellent
Delivery: Within UK FREE Royal Mail Special Delivery, fully insured

This antique mourning ring is a good eample of early 19thC (c 1820) Regency mourning jewellery. It features a central oblong panel of hairwork beneath its original polished crystal cover, surrounded by alternating garnets and pearls. The whole is mounted in high carat gold. The garnets stand for enduring love and loyalty, and the seed pearls for the tears of remembrance and loss. The open work split shank of the gold band is absolutely typical of the period of Regency romanticism

Condition of this ring is very good: the central panel appears to be a good tight fit and it is also miraculously free of scratches. The seed pearls and garnets are complete and closed-back mounted, and each seems original and secure.

True to the period, this exquisite piece bears no official hallmarks - as was standard practice for commissioned mourning jewellery of the late 18th century - but the gold has been acid-tested to confirm it as a rare and substantial 18-carat ring, unlike the more common 9ct or pinchbeck examples.

It will be supplied in a ring box and for destinations in the UK despatched by fully insured and FREE Royal Mail Special Delivery(Next Day)
My shop at 1 Bridge St, Dulverton TA22 9HJ is open
1030 - 5pm Tues-Sat, and by appointment