Charming Mid Victorian Garnet Natural Pearl Ring c. 1865

Caroline's Jewelry with a Past is offering a mid-Victorian era ring made of 12kt. rosy gold, circa 1865. This ring features three round, faceted, bead set, dark red garnets. The garnets are set in a scalloped and boxy navette shape. The stones are surrounded by 16 small, greyish and white natural half pearls. The pearls are bead set. The pearls are various colors. The head of the ring is 3/4" (north to south) X 3/8" (east to west) and does not include the sides which extend beyond the head. The sides have nicely decorated "steps" down to the shank and are lightly oxidized for effect. The ring is a size 5-5-1/4 and can be re-sized. The piece weighs 2.7 grams. The ring comes in its original box (assumed) from Mobile, Alabama.

The red garnet was a symbol of romantic love. The Victorians believed that the garnet would bring back lost love. The other side of the coin; garnets were believed to enhance endurance, strength and fortitude. There have been numerous other beliefs surrounding garnets through the millennia. It has also acted as a talisman for travelers, but these are only a few of its many uses.

The gold content of this piece has been tested using standard accepted testing methods, such as acid testing. The tourmaline 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.