This ring began its life in the late 18th century as a gold posy ring, engraved inside with “A token of my love.” Rings like this were intensely personal and often marked marriages. Its survival suggests it was passed down within a family as an heirloom. Almost a century later in the mid Victorian period, the ring was thoughtfully altered. Three almandine garnets were added in a new gold face, updating the piece to suit contemporary taste while preserving the earlier shank and inscription. The modification reflected a desire to keep an inherited object relevant and wearable - we still do this today! The result is a layered piece of jewelry history, bearing the marks of two different eras.
"A token of my love", TS makers mark
MATERIALS: 22k gold shank (tests), 14k gold face (tests), 3 almandine garnets
AGE: c. 1780 shank, c. 1860 gemstones and setting
CONDITION: Very good - the 18th century posy ring was modified by adding the garnets and their setting in the mid Victorian era
SIZE: 7.5, resizing not recommended; 6.3mm head, 2.2mm shank