19th Century Wearables 👑✨

Today it can be difficult to envision 19th century treasures as fitting effortlessly into our chic jewelry wardrobes at a moment's notice; this drop seeks to challenge the idea that you'd ever need a special occasion to wear a spectacular piece from that period.

Starting off with a substantial 18k Signet Ring Inscribed AR. Signet rings have been around since ancient civilization, worn as protective amulets, for betrothal or even used to seal deals (literally) and communicate rank. By the Victorian era, signet rings had become a staple of the well-dressed gentlemen, and part of the revivals of Renaissance and ancient jewelry. With reeded shoulders, this delightful example is hallmarked for Chester, 1907. Weighing 5.5g, with a Georgian revivalist shape (note the similarity to early 19th c silhouettes) this signet would be an ideal addition to any collection.

Next up, a stunning 15k Victorian Garnet Cabochon Locket. Evolving from ancient amulets, European designs for lockets appear to date to the 16th century, when small pendants were worn to conceal good luck charms, small fabric squares soaked in perfume to ward off the poor smells on public thoroughfares, painted portraits, and even, on occasion, poison. Hand-etched with a beautifully fitted bale, this rare example from the 1860's has a hand-faceted reverse and glass locket back compartment. A great example of the intersection between the jewel tone color palate and focus on textile arts that defined the hyper-feminine style of the 1860's. This locket is paired above with a glorious 9k Collar Chain of 15" in length. 

Lastly, special and beloved Memorial Ring Commemorating Thomas Atkinson, obt 1813. One of the most charismatic memorial rings I've had the pleasure of handling, this early 19th-century example features a very rare gothic font declaring "Remembrance" around the exterior rim. The N letter is here morphed into the Greek Omega character, a finalizing symbol, and the last letter of the Greek alphabet, indicating the end of Mr. Atkinson's life. Two black bands of enamel form eternal rims around the word.