It is possible to say that since there are men, there are rings. Thus there are all types of ancient rings: simple ring or complicated work, ring of mourning or promises of love, gold, simple metal, hair or elephant hair, secret or claim, the ring is a jewel that is worn easily and is shown in all environments, at all times. It is worn alone or combined with others, on one, two or three fingers. Sometimes even on each finger. Men are not left out: old rings of small finger as the signet ring, which was used to affix his seal; rings of bishop, because yes: the ring can be religious. Memento Mori rings to remember the loved one, to contemplate the emptiness of his existence.
As you can see, there are antique rings for everyone. It is up to you to find the one(s) that suits you best.
Georgian mourning hair ring in 14k pink gold. An antique locket ring keeping a braid of hair enclosed behind glass crystal. It is framed by a halo of 16 seed pearls and the settings is formed by two separated strands adorned with an openwork pattern. Jewel from the beginning of the 19th century, circa 1810-1830.
Finger size: 53 EU or 6.5 US (adjustment possible)
Ring Head Size: 11 x 11mm
Condition: old trace of size adjustment, wears on the glass, indentations behind the head of the ring.
Weight: 2.11 gr
Hair jewellery was very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Jewellery with compartments made it possible to keep a lock of hair of a lover or a missing person (later it will be the photograph). It can be a medallion or a ring for example. There are also jewels made from hair, such as necklaces, chains, bracelets and rings. These hair jewels are worked like textiles: they are woven, embroidered, twisted. A whole craft industry developed around this new fashion, which lasted until the end of the 19th century.
Diamond pearl trilogy ring in white gold. Ring with a 0.50 carat brilliant-cut diamond framed by two 4.8 mm diameter cultured pearls. Pearls are white. Vintage ring from the 1970’s, France.
Eagle head hallmark (French state hallmark for 18-karat gold) and Wegelin goldsmith’s hallmark (company active in Grenoble since the 1920s).
Finger size: 49 UE or 4.75 US (can be changed).
Diamond characteristics
Shape-size: round-brilliant
Dimensions: 4.93-4.91×2.55 mm
Estimated mass: 0.50 carat
Estimated color: G/H
Estimated purity: VVS2
Cut: Good
Polished: Good
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: strong
Estimated type: Ia
French Victorian pansy ring in 18 karat gold. Antique ring decorated with a pansy in an oval cartouche. Usually, these rings were decorated with multicolored enamels, but these have disappeared. Regional ring, Poitou region, circa 1860, France.
Partially erased horsehead hallmark (french state hallmark for 18 karat gold)
Design size: 10 x 9 mm
Finger circumference: 54.5 UE or 7 US (possible sizing)
Egyptian souvenir ring in 18k and 14k gold (750 and 585/1000). Large ring with Egyptian cartouche inscribed with hieroglyphs. Vintage ring, for men or women, circa 1980.
The 18 karat gold ring with a shell hallmark for the small part in 14 karats (French state hallmark for the part).
Finger size: 60 EU or 9.25 US (sizing: 1 to 3 UE sizes possible).
Wood and gold ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Vintage ring in dark wood (species unknown) adorned with a flat gold plate on the top, giving it the appearance of a signet ring. Ring bearing the Pery & Fils hallmark, similar to other rings signed Van Cleef & Arpels, made by Pery & Fils. Ring from the 1970s, France.
Eagle head hallmark and Pery & Fils goldsmith hallmark (active since 1927).
Finger size: 46 UE or 3.25 US (no sizing possible)
Diamond ribbon ring in 18 karat yellow gold (750). Large vintage movement ring with 6 gold ribbons forming a volute. The design extends over an entire finger phalanx. The ends of the strands are set with 18 single-cut diamonds. Vintage ring, circa 1960, France.
Eagle head hallmark (French state hallmark for 18 karat gold) and Andreone Emmanuelle goldsmith’s hallmark (active in the 1960s).
Finger circumference: 51 UE or 5.5 Us (sizing possible)
Victorian monogram signet ring in 18 karat (750) gold. Antique ring set with an oval nicolo agate plaque engraved with the monogram “BL”. The shoulders are decorated with two buckles. Antique intaglio monogram ring, circa 1880. Ring for men and woman
Tested 18k gold.
Finger circumference: 60 UE or 8.75 US (possible sizing)
Ring head dimensions: 17 x 13 mm
Man turquoise belt ring in 14 karat yellow gold. A round turquoise cabochon set in bezel decorates the center of the headband. The ring represents a miniature closed belt, with turquoise for an elegant clasp, secured by a false chain. 20th century work, Ring for men or unisex ring.
Shell hallmark.
Finger size: 59 EU or 8.75 US (adjustment possible)
Marquise diamond ring in yellow gold 18 karats and platinum. In the center, a line of 5 diamonds in bezel setting, one more important in the center, surrounded by rose-cut diamonds on platinum. Belle époque navette ring, early 20th century.
Mascaron hallmark, owl hallmark
Finger size : 46 UE or 3,75 US (resizing possible)
Dimensions of the ring head : 20,25 mm x 7.2 mm
Note: the diamonds in the central line are brilliant cut, except for one which is old cut 8-8
Condition : scratches from use
French enamel flower ring in 18 karat (750) rose gold. Antique ring with a cartouche decorated with a blue and white enameled flower within a blue border. The shoulders of the ring are decorated with leaves and the band is faceted. This antique ring is suitable for both men and women. Antique wedding band ring, Normandy, second half of the 19th century.
Horsehead hallmark (French state hallmark for 18 karat gold between 1838-1919) and DH goldsmith’s hallmark.
Finger circumference: 63 UE or 10.25 US (can be changed)
Victorian photo portrait enamel ring in 18 karat gold (750). Victorian sentimental ring with a photograph on enamel depicting a portrait of a man. The photograph is sepia-toned, and the man is dressed in late 19th-century fashion. The ring is set in gold, highly decorated with foliage. Sentimental ring, circa 1860-1870, France.
Eagle head hallmark
Size: 61 UE or 9.5 Us (can be changed)
Bezel size: 2 x 2 mm
Condition: scratches to the enamel, small lack at the bottom.
Weight: 3.08 g
More info: In 1854, Lafon de Camarsac invented photographic enamels, and was one of the first to fix photographic images on metal and ceramic materials. Working with Eugène Disdéri, he joined forces with photographers François Martial Pinel Peschardière (1858-1862) and Étienne-Prosper Berne-Bellecour (1864-1865).
Victorian black pansy secret ring in 18k gold (750). Antique “sentiment” ring, decorated with a large oval tray set with a black chalcedony plate. Its surface is adorned with a golden thought in gold leaf.. The bezel opens to conceal an antique photograph protected under glass. The photo can be changed. Secret poison ring, late 19th century, France.
Eagle head hallmark and illegible goldsmith’s hallmark.
Finger circumference: 65 EU or 11 US (possible sizing)
Bezel size: 18 x 15 mm
Condition: lack of gilding on the flower, wear scratches.