Duchess Anne Victorian Antique Crowned Two Hearts Garnets French Betrothal Ring Solid Silver Figural Traditional Engagement Unique Stacker

ABOUT:
A 19th century / 1800s betrothal ring with wonderful figural details. This is a departure from my norm in that it is crafted in solid silver instead of gold, but it is special one for its intrinsic value, which is of course higher / more valuable than the cost of materials or melt. And it is crafted exactly as it should be as this style of ring, called the "Duchess Anne" ring are almost always in silver.

This is a French traditional / regional betrothal ring with two hearts representing the joining of two in marriage. Beautiful figural crowned detail, the piece is set with seven garnets, to represent love seven days of the week. These were popular between 1800 and 1880 as betrothal rings in the regions of Brittany and southern Normandy.

French regional / traditional jewelry is a huge passion of mine and figural pieces are always a delight to find. In France, the engagement ring for most people before 1880 was generally in bronze or in silver, as rings with diamonds were reserved for the aristocracy and upper class.

The French peasant class were the rural agricultural laborers and tenants who made up the vast majority of France's population at the time. So while it's silver fabrication might seem "less valuable" by today's standards, this is a beautiful example of the peasant betrothal ring in its correct and appropriate fabrication for the period and its historic background.

I purchased this in Paris last year. It has the French hallmark for solid silver at the back along with two other, I assume regional stamps, one bearing an N perhaps for Normandy.

Antique box / props, mice ; ) etc. not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

Size 8 1/2, weight 1.85 grams. Ring face is 8.7mm north south.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Appropriate patina in the recesses from age to make the design stand out. The hearts were gold washed at one time which is also the traditional fabrication but most of that is worn now. Some small abrasions to the garnets. The shank is triple banded and there is a crack to the back but it is still completely stable and wearable, not really seen when on the hand. Likely the hallmark strikes in the area weakened it along with the ribbed detail making it thinner in that area but it is still super sturdy, does not bend or flex. The edges and the crack are a bit blunt from age but I do not find it uncomfortable to wear. Surface wear and signs of age but still super legible and an important part of French historical jewelry.

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 : )

SOCIAL:
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All items hand picked by me, one at a time from all over the world. All listings individually written by me, and not AI, after studying each piece to discuss its beauties and its ; ) eccentricities (which I am picky to point out).

Many of my listings include group shots – I find the comparisons between pieces help show scale, diamond hues, etc. All items in group shots are inventory, but refer to the website to see what items have sold out and to watch for new listings from the grouping to appear on the home page.

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