BEEHIVE French Antique Trudon Family Crest Coat of Arms Chunky French SIGNET Ring 9.8g 18k Gold

ABOUT:

One of my best signets to date as it has an identifiable family crest with motto and a wonderful graphic of a beehive. The crest / coat of arms is of the Trudon family - candlemakers since the 1700s. Engraved at the base of the shield is the brand's motto: "Deo Regique laborant”, meaning “They work for God and King”. This credo still exists today and is printed on the coat of arms which adorn their candles.

I also read that the shield design is inspired by a stone carving located on the brand’s former manufacturing site in Antony, south of Paris. Today, it is a convent. The beehive / bees, both in this application and in other antique jewelry, represent hard work, loyalty, teamwork, and industriousness. But of course also appropriate in this case as the family used beeswax in its candles.

This is a Paris find in 18k gold with a lovely rosy antique patina with a buttery glow, especially from the recesses of the carving. It's delicious : )

Another bit of info about the family:
The Cire Trudon story began over 350 years ago. In the 17th century, Claude Trudon owned a boutique on Paris’s rue Saint-Honore, where he worked as a grocer and candlemaker. In 1714, Trudon introduced beeswax into its candle formula, an ingredient they discovered turned a beautiful white color when exposed to the sun.

The company is still in operation today and their full history can be read on their website. Always fun to find a piece with known provenance.

Antique box is not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pics. Antique boxes, props, staircases and bannisters ; ) not included.

MEASUREMENTS:
Size 5 3/4. The ring face Is 15mm north south, and 2.3mm off the finger. All solid gold with solid back and no vacant space. The piece weighs 9.75g.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

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SOCIAL:
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