ABOUT:
French antique signet ring in sturdy 18k gold. Unisex ring with heavy hand feel weighing over 15 grams of solid gold. The square face has a crowned shield engraved with diamonds across the center. The design of the crown symbol signifies the level of Nobility to be that of a Count (lower than a Duke, higher than a Viscount, Baron, Knight, or Lord.). Of course now France is a republic and there is no royal family recognized by the French state, but as is the case here, the owner likely had a title and could trace their nobility back to the French royal family. With the engraving it was often times used as a wax seal for correspondence as well.
This French find has a beautiful warm antique yellow gold patina with a slight rosy warmth / hue. And the back/inside of the ring face is closed (not hollowed out) making the piece all solid 18k gold.
HALLMARKS:
No hallmarks remain which is common for French pieces as they are marked in the back and often lost during a sizing or from wear. But sold to me from a reputable source in France where the standard is 18k and tested to confirm.
Antique box is not included.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size 9 1/4. Ring face is 14mm north to south. It weighs a sturdy 15.3 grams.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Uniform surface wear from age and some small nicks that can catch the light due to the mirrored finish, but very sturdy piece with legible design.
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. : )
Please also note that I take some photos / videos in the sunshine because it captures the lovely color and sparkle, but it also highlights any surface wear, scratches, abrasions, buildup or inclusions that can catch the light, making these things appear worse than they would with normal day to day wear. : ) Hopefully the pics in all lightning conditions help as they serve as part of the description.
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 : )
I dearly love, collect, use and sell antiques so please check out my other listings and thanks so much for stopping by my shop!
SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on insta for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews!
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