Antique Victorian ring gold diamonds amethyst heart crown engagement ring (7476)

Antique Victorian sentimental romantic ring. Engagement ring. 14k yellow gold, silver, rose-cut diamonds and amethysts. Made in the United Kingdom late 19th century (circa 1880-1900).

Measurements: Weight is 4.3 grams. A little over a US size 7. 

Description : Late Victorian engagement ring in the form of twin hearts beneath a crown. The hearts are designed with one slightly overlapping the other - a truly intertwined pair. 
Lovely purple amethysts with great sparkle and gleam as the light catches them, especially as the finger of the wearer moves. Amethysts surrounded by heart-shaped border of rosecut diamonds with a crown of diamonds. The crown is almost imperceptibly set back so that the hearts take centre stage.
The design of crown above hearts is very cleverly executed so that from above, it appears that they form a flower. This is an additional romantic symbol and shows the ingenuity and innovation of the Victorian jewellers. 
As was the custom at the time, diamonds were set in silver in order to show them off to greatest effect in gas or candle light. The silver is above an openwork gallery of gold.
Simple gold shank that widens at the shoulders.

Unusual, romantic, sentimental and lovely. Very well made. It has lasted 150 years and will continue to last for many more. 

Marks and Metal: No marks. Gold is at least 14k.     

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY: Closely set, twin hearts became the fashion for marriage or betrothal rings from the 2nd half of the 18th century in both France and England. As Diana Scarisbrick explains in her book on Rings Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty (page 87 - 89), hearts were by far the most popular romantic motif, whether single or double, and often crowned as in this case. Engagement rings in this form were popular with a combination of diamonds and almost every variety of gemstone. While red and blue are quite common, a pair of amethysts is rare. As described above, the heart became the ultimate symbol of romance during the late 19th century with the obvious connotation of twin hearts, joined beneath a crown. 
During the 19th century, double hearts, set together were often given as betrothal, engagement or wedding ring. The crown was a symbol of love, devotion and loyalty and indicated "ruler of my heart".    What could be a greater symbol of a lasting romance? Perfect as an engagement ring. 

Note on color: please note that the 'photos with the ring being worn are showing the amethysts as bluer/darker than reality, which is more purple/pink. The color changes quite dramatically as light catches the facets and is either absorbed or reflected (see last picture with variations clear).