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Wedding bands, production samples, cheapie antiques and discounted EW styles are discounted up to 75% off. Sale ends at 11:59pm EST on April 1.

from the archive
Victorian Ruby & Pearl Pansy Ring
Sold!

The name “pansy” derives from the French word “pensee” which means “thought.” Ever big on subtlety, the Victorians devised an entire symbolic language of flowers. For example, a Victorian gentleman could express that he was thinking of his love by presenting her with a pansy - and she would understand what that meant! This exquisite and very photogenic Victorian ring features a pansy rendered in pearls with a ruby ovule (note the half-formed layer of nacre on the largest of the pearls). The underside of the head holds a locket which once would have contained plaited hair but is now empty.

thedetails

  • Materials

    18k gold (tests), pearls, 2mm ruby

  • Age

    c. 1850

  • Condition

    Very good - visible mark on the shank from a previous resizing

  • Size

    7.5, can be resized; 9mm head, 1.2mm shank

Victorian

Aboutthe

VictorianEra

18371901

please note:Terms of Sale

Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.

RelatedHistory Lesson

Pansies:Think of Me

Anthropomorphic, wild, and adorable, pansies were jubilantly translated into jewelry throughout the Victorian era.

RelatedHistory Lesson

Floriography: The Secret Language of Flowers

Floriography allowed the Victorians to communicate their desires without saying anything at all.

RelatedHistory Lesson

Pearls:The World's Oldest Gemstone

Supernaturally powerful orbs.