Antique rings are artifacts, and as a historian, I analyze their materials, motifs, symbols, craftsmanship, and hallmarks to determine their origin, era, and intended wearer. But jewelry is also deeply personal—it is worn on the body, and bodies hold stories too.
The woman who owned this ring had arthritis. The pain and joint deformity caused by the disease meant that a traditional ring would have been difficult to wear. To accommodate this, a hinge was added, allowing the ring to open and slip over an enlarged knuckle. A French maker patented this thoughtful modification and stamped it "BREVETE".
cannot be resized; 1/2" width at the head, 1/4" rise off the finger, 2.8mm shank, marked "CY BREVETE" brevete is French for patented, there's another mark that I just cannot read
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), silver, base metal hinge and clasp elements
AGE: c. 1900
CONDITION: Very good - surface wear commensurate with age and use
SIZE: 6, cannot be resized; 1/2" width at the head, 1/4" rise off the finger, 2.8mm shank