This Victorian men's signet ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold, weighs 16.7g and measures 20mm wide and 2.5mm deep. In impressive and discreetly elegant design, this stately ring exposes an ovular plaque intaglio engraved with an emblematic crest. The latter is composed of a shield depicting a hand, surmounted by three roosters and the motto 'OPTIMA PRINCIPA' engraved beneath the emblem. This phrase is a Latin medical term defined as 'accentuating the magnitude of mental disorders'. The emblem has apparently religious significance and was adopted by Christian counselors instructing Biblical theology and the role of Christian counseling in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Rings bearing a combination of heraldic shields or family crests and mottos were worn in England, France and Italy as early as the 15th century. The exact identification or association of such rings which remained in vogue until late 19th century is not easy to ascertain and innumerable signet rings of the past remain as yet unidentified. In the domain of animal symbolism, roosters are defined as 'symbols of inquisitiveness, empathy, and observance'. Since ancient times, the Chinese culture has attached special amuletic significance to roosters, hence the extensive variety of pendants carved in jade, depicting the head or the entire body of this bird. This impressive Victorian signet ring of emblematic and spiritual significance and immaculate intaglio-engraving features a smooth undercarriage for comfortable wear and broad, diminutively descending shoulders which merge into a spherical band and an easily sizable shank.

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 tracing as far back as the Crusades. The origin of signet rings, however, extends centuries back to 331 B.C. when 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 in jasper. Since the year 1900, great interest has been shown in signet rings mostly crafted in gold or platinum or a combination thereof.

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-THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD Suggested Retail Price: $1,200.00 Your Price: $780.00 $690.00 Wholesale Price: $600.00