A wearable reminder that time is precious, this vintage 18ct gold signet ring features a winged hourglass with a banner beneath that reads 'HORA FUGIT', Latin for the phrase 'Time flees'/'The hour flies'. 
The words are mirrored in reverse so the signet could mark a wax seal and show the design facing the right way. 
 
The ring is made of 18ct gold and has British hallmarks for 18ct gold, Birmingham. Without a date letter hallmark it's hard to date the ring exactly. Date letter hallmarks became no longer compulsory in the UK from 1999 so we believe the ring is post 1999, likely circa early 2000s. 
 
Ring size - the ring measures approx a US 7 1/2 / approx a UK O 1/2 on a ring mandrel. There is still a little room beneath the ring's face when on a mandrel so it could wear slightly larger than it measures (we've taken a photo of this, shown above). 
 
The ring weighs approx 6g and the face measures approx 11.3mm by 9.7mm. The shank tapers down to approx 2.65mm wide at the back of the shank.
 
Condition - The ring is in good vintage condition but does show signs of age and wear. There is some surface wear to the gold and around the detail to the ring's face. There is a small indent/dot mark to the ring's shoulder (to the right side when the ring is looked at face on), we believe the ring has been made by casting and this dot mark happened when made. Please see photos.
 
*Please note the antique box and ring mandrel pictured are not included in the sale but the ring will be shipped in a new presentation ring box and pouch*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
.