ABOUT:
Love animal figures and those wonderful Victorians offer us so many highly collectible examples. Interesting layered sardonyx wax seal signet ring in yellow 18k gold with a carving of an animal holding a banner - It looks like either a horse or a sheep to me. Accented with beautifully decorated shoulders - antique piece from the late 1800s. The stone looks a milky white color when looking at it face on, with dark stone layered underneath.
Sardonyx is a variety of agate / banded onyx with linear bands of various colors, it is in the classification of chalcedony quartz. The stone has been used for thousands of years and is said to represent protection and strength, courage and happiness. It is also interesting to note that you can never find two sardonyx stones with the same texture or color. It is one of the birthstones of August.
Antique piece that I acquired in France. It has French hallmarks for 18k on the outside, but is stamped 18CT on the inside so I believe it is English in origin and was sold to the French market. These signets were popular with men and women during the period.
Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
The ring is a size 7 1/4.
The ring face is 14mm north south and 3.5mm off the finger at the face.
The ring weight is 5.6 grams.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Oval seam on the inside behind the stone, done in the making with wear making the seam more evident. Gold bezel is slightly uneven. Surface wear and scratches that can catch the light as expected for age, but no chips or cracks.
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. : ) There are no dark spots to the gold, it was just difficult to photograph because it is so shiny and mirrored that it reflects its surroundings including the green trees out the window.
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:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com
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