Pleasant Victorian Lover's Turquoise Ring c. 1860

Caroline's Jewelry with a Past is offering a Victorian era lover's presentation ring made of 12kt. rosy gold, circa 1860. This ring features two prong set, oval, cabochon, natural sky-blue Persian Turquoise, 6mm long X 5mm wide. The turquoise are set side by side as a token of love and togetherness. The total carat weight is estimated at 1.20 carats. The center of the stones are topped by two- 2mm creamy, natural half pearls. The stones are mounted in a decorated band. The band has hand engraving with a heart on each side of the stones and centered with what appears to be a fleur de lis. The ring is a size 6 and can be carefully re-sized. There is a "B" centered by a 5 pointed star, an unrecognized maker's mark.

Turquoise is found in only a few places on earth, dry and barren regions. Its color can range from dull green to grass green to a medium-toned, sky blue. People highly value turquoise for its combination of ancient heritage and unforgettable color. Turquoise is said to bring luck, peace, and protection to the wearer. The traditional source for the best color, sometimes described as robin’s-egg blue or sky blue, is the Nishapur district of Iran, the area formerly known as Persia. So, quite often, you’ll hear people in the trade call turquoise of this beautiful color, “Persian blue,” whether or not it was actually mined in Iran. (Reference GIA: Turquoise)

The Victorians loved symbolism and their jewelry represented hidden meanings. White pearls are popular gifts for brides. Pearls are the traditional birthstone of June in Western cultures, a popular month for weddings. Turquoise is symbolic of "true love" and was a favorite of Queen Victoria. Fleur de lis was used as a symbol of "purity".

The gold content of this piece has been tested using standard accepted testing methods, such as acid testing. The turquoise and pearls were measured for size using a standard jeweler's caliper. The pearls are assumed to be natural since the piece pre-dates cultured pearls. The stones were not removed from the piece to determine exact carat weight.