Antique: Pearl Ring, Half-Hoop, 5 Stone Ring in 18ct Gold

Antique Victorian Pearl Ring, 18ct Gold, Size 6 1/2

This is a Victorian period graduated pearl ring, also called a half-hoop ring. 

The prong shaped flower gallery is beautifully made with a hand-carved detail on each side. It's different from other examples of this period in that is finely made and that the pearls are not peeling or cracking. The pearls are creamy white with just a hint of silver.

This five pearl ring makes a great stacking ring or wedding band for those that insist on something unique and with a history. To create a statement stack, consider pairing it with other pearl bands or alternating it with diamonds and other gem-set half-hoops (what we now call "anniversary rings"). 

Dimensions & Details

• Five half-pearls without cracking, peeling or crazing.
• The ring is 18ct gold.
• There is an engraved inscription inside the band in beautiful script: To M.W. from J.B.
• Ring size is US 6 1/2 or UK M 1/2and can be easily sized up or down one size.

• England.

• Circa late 19th c.
• Tests as 18ct.

• The ring is in good antique condition with general surface wear and scratches that one would expect in a piece of this age. 

In some ways the trends of the 19th century are very similar to current trends. Just like we love to "wear rings on every finger" or "stack them" up, so did the Victorians. These two trends have only increased in popularity over the past couple of years. The half-hoop's ring design in particular, lends itself to stacking.

In the 19th c., women often received three different rings when getting married: the engagement ring, the wedding band, and the guard ring (worn with the wedding ring to prevent it from slipping off the finger). Half-hoop pearl rings were a popular choice for "betrothal" or engagement rings throughout most of the 19th c., giving way to diamonds in the last quarter of the century.

If you are interested in reading more about the jewelry terms or decorative periods referenced throughout our site, visit our Resources section for additional information.

Find out how to care for your collection of antique and modern jewels: visit our Jewelry Care page to get advice on maintaining and storing your treasured pieces.

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Please note: Unless otherwise stated boxes are for display purposes only.