HINGED Secret VICTORIAN ANTIQUE 18k Gold Locket Ring Hidden Compartment w/ Latch Beveled Band Engraved Panels

ABOUT:

This is a ring with a secret! With normal wear it looks like a beautiful Victorian band with beveled and ornately hand engraved panels.
But upon further inspection you will find the piece is actually two rings nested together with a teeny tiny latch under the monogrammed ring face. This allows you to slide open the ring to reveal a hidden channel inside, when you slide apart the two hoops. It was likely intended to hold a lock of hair of a sweetheart or loved one. At each shoulder the two separate bands are hinged to eachother so they snap together to appear as one ring, but with that wonderful hidden secret. Note that it doesn't open completely perpendicularly, it just slides open the distance as seen in the photos.

Quite a romantic piece and also uncommon! I have never seen one like it so it is quite the collectible little treasure. It would be interesting to have the inside engraved to reveal a secret message when slid open.

The ring face has a monogram on the raised panel - LMW / SMW? with a little scalloped detail on one side opposite the tiny latch.

Large finger size, makes a great thumb ring or stacker.

I got this one in Amsterdam. It has a tiny hallmark inside but I can't decipher it, tests at 18k gold. Warm, rich antique patina.

Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

It is a size 10 1/2. It weighs 2.75 grams.
The band is 3.8mm north south and 1.6mm thick / deep except at the monogrammed face which is 2.3mm.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

All my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. Wonderful coloring and patina with beautiful designs. Note that it doesn't open completely, more just slides to reveal the channel. I noticed the latch seemed to slip and the piece would pop open until I figured it out. The trick to it after closing it is to snap it closed at the face where the latch is, and then again at the back, which then keeps it nested together. Of course with a gentle hand considering age and 150 year old gold hinges, but I have handled it quite a lot and I am surprised at how sturdy it is and well functioning. Just note that you wouldn't want to try to force it open further than it goes naturally because applying too much pressure could damage the tiny antique hinges and latch. Special piece!

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned. 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 : )

Thanks so much for looking at my items!

SOCIAL:
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Expedited shipping with signature upon delivery will be at my cost.

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