Made in Birmingham in 1868, this ring has the fun Medievalizing language of the Gothic Revival: dark enamel, lots of details, engraved shoulders, and an Olde English style font. The effect is almost heraldic or devotional, like a 19th-century jewel borrowing from much older church decoration and medieval rings. The enamel lettering on the shoulders reads “EVER TRUE,” turning the whole thing into a sentimental pledge ring. The pre-Raphaelite brotherhood would have approved.
MATERIALS: 18k gold (marked), enamel, 6 2.5mm seed pearls, 1mm rose cut diamond
AGE: Birmingham assay marks for 1868
CONDITION: Very good - minor surface wear commensurate with age and use
SIZE: 5.25, can be slightly resized (note that resizing may result in the loss of hallmarks); 9.2mm head, 2.3mm shank