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Brenda Ginsberg Antiques & Jewelry

Georgian Ring 15K Gold Emeralds Pearls Poesy Engraved Love Message c1820 (6510)

Georgian Ring 15K Gold Emeralds Pearls Poesy Engraved Love Message c1820 (6510)

Regular price $2,250.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $2,250.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Antique Georgian ring. 15ct yellow gold, emeralds and pearls. Made in England circa 1820.

Measurements: US size 6.5. Weighs 3.8 grams.

Description : Romantic, sentimental ring - token of love. The bezel in the form of a flower (forget me not) with a central emerald, simply cut into a square with a high table, as befits a very early gem. It is surrounded by 6 pearls that form the petals. Shoulders are in the form of modelled gold flowers, each set with a round emerald in the center. Multi-fluted gold hoop. Gold beaded detail. Back of the bezel has a tiny locket compartment with original hair of the loved one inside. It is surrounded by an engraved message, called a poesy or romantic phrase.

The engraved writing inside the bezel reads: Love Me Only and Leave Me Not beneath that, which is perfectly matched by the flower message on top of the bezel. Flowers were a symbolic form of language that was clearly understood by the Georgians. The romantic connotation is still clear to us. Engraved love messages, known as poesies, are highly sought after and earnestly sought by collectors of rare antique jewelry.

Beautiful workmanship and emeralds are of a fabulous bright green with eye-catching gleam.

Marks: As is to be expected, there are no hallmarks in a ring of this age. We acid tested the gold to ensure metal purity.

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age and use. The glass covering the locket compartment has superficial scratches. The engraved writing is not entirely clear. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

THE STORY: Who was the lucky lady who was given this beautiful ring as a gift, well over 200 years ago? For sure, this ring was a gift - most jewelry was in those days - either from a husband, suitor or lover. Gift-giving was also common amongst friends, but the romantic nature of this ring precludes that option.
We can also assume that the giver was a person of taste and means. Gems were more rare during this period and the pretty quality and size of these emeralds would have added to the value of the ring, even then.

While the ring showed the world that the lady was adored, the secret message was known only to her and to the giver, whose hair is hidden at the back, in the locket. That the lady and her descendants cherished this romantic jewel, is clear as it was so well taken care of over many generations.
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