Details
This extraordinary antique Victorian ring is set with an impressive Bloodstone with a unique intaglio print of a Skeleton hanging from the gallows.
Bloodstone is a form of Jasper with distinct speckled red spots which in the middle ages were said to be formed at the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ when the blood fell to the ground and turned to stone.
The gallery is fully hallmarked inside the shank and dates the piece to 1897 though the Bloodstone carving has been added more recently to the antique mount to represent the Memento Mori jewellery of the 18th century.
Memento mori is Latin for ‘Remember that you have to die’. This form of jewellery was decorated with skulls, crossbones and coffins which seem macabre today but these pieces were a reminder to cherish each waking day.
The ring is a solid design with fancy engraved shoulders all commissioned in 18ct Yellow Gold. It is a highly collectable and would suit either sex.
We recommend you insure for £2050, We can provide a written Valuation on completion of the sale.
WEIGHT: 9.5 grams
MEASURES: M ½ in the UK or 6 ½ USA - Can be sized, we offer this service for free, it takes approximately one week.
FACE MEASURES: Width 15mm x Height 15mm x Depth 4mm
BLOODSTONE MEASURES: Width 11mm x Height 12mm x Depth 4mm
BAND WIDTH: 5mm across
METAL: 18ct Yellow Gold
STONES: Bloodstone
AGE: Victorian, Dated 1897
ORIGIN: Birmingham, United Kingdom
MARKS: Birmingham hallmarks, 18ct stamp, Makers initials – J.W.B.L
CONDITION: Excellent
ITEM NUMBER: 19-1066
