This antique signet ring comprises of a beautifully rich almandine garnet, that has been fashioned into an oval high domed cabochon. The garnet has been set within a closed back bezel setting. The shoulders of the ring, have been symmetrically engraved with a low relief scroll and leaf design pattern. It is set between solid shoulders and mounted within hallmarked 18ct yellow gold.
Material: 18ct Yellow Gold
Brand: Lewins Vintage
Style: Signet
Primary Stones: Garnet, 1 Oval Cabochon, apx. 14 x 11 mm
Birthstone: Garnet - January
Anniversary: Garnet - 2nd
Ring Size: O
Resizeable: Yes
Weight: 8.7 grams
Condition: Fair (general abrasion of pits and scratched across the stone, visibly shown in the product video)
Period: Vintage, Victorian
Hallmark: The standard mark, "18". The assay office mark of London. The date letter mark "F", indicating circa 1861. The maker or sponsor's mark, “R.W".
Jewellery Odyssey:
Signet Rings, also referred to as 'Seal' rings derived from the Latin word ‘Signum', meaning ‘sign’. In 3500 BC, Mesopotamians, were civilisations that used seals; in the form of cylinders, carved with markings, and used to leave an impression, when pressed into soft clay. The seal evolved in Ancient Egyptian times, when Pharaoh Kings and Queens and other high ranking Egyptians, wore seals as rings, to show their authority. Each ring would be carved with hieroglyphics, unique to the wearer. During the middle ages, wax was used to seal documents and rings had to be deeply carved, like intaglios. This fashioning illustrated designs of monograms, family crests or coat of arms. In the 14th century, King Edward II ordered that official documents had to be stamped with the seal of his signet ring. During the 17-18th century, signet rings were adorned with gemstones, cut as inlays or cabochons. Amethyst, bloodstone, chalcedony, garnet and many more stones were fashioned in bezel settings. By the late 19th century, the use of signet rings as a legal signature, declined. Today, the iconic signet ring timelessly holds the values, of being worn with great prestige and admiration, for its protracted historical origin.
Gem Lore:
Garnet - derives from the Latin word ‘garanatus’, which is translated to ‘seed-like’. The discovery of small red crystals bared a similar resemblance to pomegranate seeds. It is not widely known, that garnet can come in a rainbow of hues from red, orange, green and purple. However, red garnets are far more commonly seen with subtle overtones of purple, orange and golden brown. The gemstone has anciently been believed, to bring balance and harmony to the wearer.
Request Current Ring Size To Be Altered:
If the current ring size listed, is not the ring size you require. Please fill out the form below, requesting the size you need and we will respond within 2 working days. We will answer any question you may have, estimate lead times and let you know you how much this alteration will cost.
Please note, that whilst ring sizes (depending on the setting and style of ring) can safely and easily be sized up or down, one to four sizes. Rings were generally made to the scale of their current size. Requesting a ring size a lot smaller in size then the current size, can make the bottom band of the ring become oval in shape. When making rings larger in size, our highly skilled workshop will seamlessly add a piece of metal, into the bottom of the ring. If a size is requested that will impede the structural durability of the ring, than depending on the setting and style, alternative options such as: half shank or soldered beads, can be suggested.
Remember there is only about a 1mm difference between each whole ring size. For more information on what to consider when finding your size, read our blog: "The Factors Affecting Ring Size”.
Jewellery Care Precautions:
Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).
Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.
Yellow Gold:
Gold as an element, in its purest form will not tarnish, but gold used in jewellery has been alloyed with other metals, to increase durability. These metals have properties that when in contact with oxygen, chemicals, oils or other substances - will result in a surface tarnish or damage and corrosion. Even the pH level of you skin and the natural oils it produces, can tarnish your gold jewellery.
To prevent your gold jewellery from tarnishing or even disintegrating, avoid exposure to household chemicals, bleaches, toothpaste, baking soda and other cleaning abrasives. Wearing jewellery in places where perfumes, hairsprays, body lotions have been applied on your body, will increase tarnishing. Wear your jewellery after the products have been applied. To clean your gold jewellery, use a mild soap with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For professional cleaning, our workshop can polish your jewellery back to life.
Almandine Garnet:
Hardness: 7.5 | Toughness: Good | Stability: Good
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Heat, Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Mild Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (knocks), Porosity.
Gemmological Observation: Clean with mild soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. Garnets are usually a very durable gemstone. Some stones are prone to damage due to thermal shock. Do not expose them to extreme temperature changes.
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