Noble Date 1868 18ct Gold Sardonyx Gent's Signet Ring

Special and rare; a handsome antique historic revival period signet ring in a Gothic mood, set with a glossy shield shaped tablet of gorgeously layered Sardonyx. Astonishingly we would say that this ring appears to be unworn as we can see not a scratch or mark anywhere!

A most distinguished design which takes references from evangelical architecture, the style of this wonderful ring is very much of it's time and distinctive in that the Puginesque Gothic Revival was influencing design of buildings, furniture and the arts all over Europe: borrowing ideas from Mediaeval architecture and motifs seen on jewels in museums to create a highly dramatic look but considered look; this being a time when folks of art and thought who could afford to wore more decorative rings to express their education and inclination.

It is possible to hand carve the centre stone with a personal emblem allowing the lower russet colour to show through. Sardonyx is a banded form of chalcedony with layers of red-brown sard and white or black onyx; in Victorian times, India (under British Colonial rule) being the primary source of such stones. 

Stone: layered Sardonyx, suitable for intaglio carving, which we can arrange for you

Metal: The inside of the ring shows marks for 18ct gold assayed at the Birmingham Assay Office in 1868 and a maker's mark for 'W.R', possibly indicating William Ryland. Shrub Hill, Worcester, 1894-1902. The trefoil cut out sections to each side of the stone are reminiscent of the work of Rennie Mackintosh.

Weight: 

Measurements: The head of the ring measures 11.7mm x 14.5mm, and the shoulders taper from 6.73mm to 3.77mm at the back of the band.

Ring Size: a ring size 'Q/8' and no adjustment possible due to the continuous design of the band