This antique Victorian Men's signet ring is crafted in massive 18k yellow gold with a white gold inlay, weighs 22.8g and measures 15.4mm wide and 5mm deep. This authentic Victorian ring of captivating and stately design, most probably of Russian origin in view of the abbreviated hallmark inside the shank and the emblematic engravings, incorporates a white gold-topped octahedral plaque, intaglio engraved with a Renaissance inspired crest, surrounded by a color-contrasting yellow gold perimeter. The impressive curvaceous gallery and the broad shoulders are adorned with artistically applied heart and foliate-themed scrollwork. Having survived a considerable passage of time, this authentic Victorian signet ring is in fairly good condition except for minute fractures on the gallery, invisible to the naked eye.

Essential to the appearance of the well-dressed gentleman during the Victorian era was a signet ring bearing his crest or coat of arms which might show a family tree going back to the Crusades. The origins of signet rings, however, go centuries back to 331 B.C.as Alexander the Great conquered Persia and founded his Great Persian Empire. Sovereign seals were the highest symbols of power and authority also in the ancient Greek and Roman empires. Signet rings of the period were usually engraved with the sovereign’s portrait which would be passed on to their successors as an expression of both honor and filial love. Signet rings were extremely popular in the latter part of the 18th century and were revived later in mid-nineteenth century, during which period more figurative styles were designed by Froment-Meurice who was commissioned by Duchesse d'Orléans to design the first exceptional signet rings in 1843. The latter were crafted in gold and intaglio engraved on jasper. Since the year 1900 great interest has been shown in signet rings mostly crafted in gold or platinum or a combination thereof.

EL118R1

Suggested Retail Price: $3,000.00 Your Price: $1,950.00 $1,500.00 Wholesale Price: $1,500.00