This antique faith, hope and charity gold ring dates to the Victorian era and is known as a mourning ring. It was likely made in memory of someone who passed away and this particular style of ring was commissioned to be made to hold a lock of the loved one's hair that would run around the gold band so that a piece of them could be kept near at all times - how sweet and such a beautiful, wearable piece of history!
We think the lock lock of hair the ring once held has since been removed at some point in time but two very sweet, hand engraved initials still adorn the heart in the centre, 'M V'. The ring displays the symbols for faith, hope and charity - a cross, a heart and an anchor.
The ring is made of 9ct gold, it is unhallmarked which is common for a piece of this age but it has been tested.
Ring size - approx a US 7 1/4 / approx a UK O 1/2 (Please note that the ring cannot be resized and we do feel it wears a little snugger than this due to the width of the shank. We feel it wears at approx a US size 7 / approx a UK O)
The ring weighs approx 2g and the heart to the front measures approx 6.7mm tall by approx 7.3mm wide. The ring's shank is approx 4.8mm wide.
Condition - The ring is in good antique condition to say it is over 100 years old but does show signs of age and wear, including surface wear to the gold throughout. There is a small piece of gold added to the shank at the back from a previous resize and there are a couple of dark, indented marks to the gold inside the shank. The heart is hollow behind and is a little indented. Please see photos.
*Please note the antique box pictured is not included in the sale but the ring will be shipped in a new presentation ring box and pouch*
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Antique Victorian gold faith, hope and charity hand engraved 'MV' mourning ring
All items are carefully wrapped and packaged in a gift pouch. In the UK, we always post items via Royal Mail's Special Delivery service which is fully tracked and insured. Items sent outside of the UK are sent via Royal Mail's International signed for service, which offers insurance for up to £250 and tracking.