I've seen plenty of gorgeous oval garnet cabochons in my time - they're typical in rings of this period (1896, to be exact.) But something I've never seen is one with the MIZPAH message on the ring band, which faces away from the viewer and toward the wearer. The message is from the bible, meaning roughly "distance/separation can't diminish our affectionate connection". Here, it probably was meant to be a private, quiet sentiment, maybe for the owner alone. I'm reminded of lockets worn underneath a ring head, hidden against the skin.
MATERIALS: 9k gold (marked), 14mm x 10.5mm garnet cabochon
AGE: Chester assay marks for 1896
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 9, resizing not recommended; 5/8" head, 1/4" shank