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.
Antique secret signet ring in 18 karat (750) rose gold. Antique wedding ring monogrammed “FD”. The ring opens under the bezel, revealing a secret compartment that can conceal a sentimental element (a flower, a lock of hair, for example). The inside of the ring is engraved with the words “V. Decondé et F. Destrée unis le 6 juin 1855”, the date of union of the two engaged couples. Antique ring for men. The ring is decorated with rinceaux in relief. Antique secret wedding ring, 1855, France.
Eagle head hallmark (French state hallmark for 18 karat gold), “FD fourmi” goldsmith’s hallmark.
Finger circumference: 65 UE or 11 US (possible resizing)
Retro opal ring in 14 karat (750) rose gold. Vintage ring centered on a cabochon-cut opal in an openwork gold bezel decorated with scrolls. The opal is translucent, with a beautiful play of colors in green, blue, red, orange and yellow. Vintage ring, circa 1950.
14k mark inside the ring, shell hallmark.
Finger circumference: 51 EU or 5.5 US (possible sizing)
Old-cut diamond marquise ring in 18 karat (750) rose gold. Oval-shaped ring set with 27 old-cut diamonds (approx. 0.95 carat total). The ring is decorated with a line of small dots in relief. Antique ring, late 19th century, Circa 1880, probably France (hallmark missing).
Owl hallmark (french state hallmark for 18 karat gold, affixed a posteriori).
Victorian French garnet ring in 18 karats rose gold (750). Antique ring, circular in shape, set with a rose-purple rhodolite garnet. The setting is decorated with delicate chasing. Antique ring, circa 1870, France.
Partially erased eagle head hallmark.
Finger circumference: 55 UE or 7.25 US (possible sizing)
Bezel diameter: 9.7 mm
Condition: scratch on the stone and usual wears on the gold.
Perpignan garnets cluster ring in 18 karat (750) rose gold. This large, oval-shaped cluster ring is entirely set with faceted and flat-cut Perpignan garnets. The central oval garnet is surrounded by 23 round garnets. These garnets have a raspberry-red color typical of the garnets used in this region of southern France. The ring is decorated in openwork on the shoulders. Antique Regional Catalan ring, late 19th century, France.
Eagle head hallmark (french state hallmark for 18 karat gold) and partially visible goldsmith’s hallmark.
Finger size: 60 FR or 9.25 US (no resizing).
Ring head dimensions: 25 x 20 mm
Condition: scratches from use, small pewter soldering on underside, some stones have been replaced.
Large Art Nouveau wedding band in 18 karat rose gold (750). Large antique wedding band decorated with three ivy leaves in relief, set with 15 rose-cut diamonds. Antique wedding band, circa 1900.
Owl hallmark (French State hallmark for 18 karat gold).
Reliquary secret locket ring in 18 karat yellow gold (750). Antique ring with a rock crystal compartment that can be opened from below to hold a flower, a lock of hair or a small photograph. Ideal for a keepsake. The ring is decorated with three chevrons at shoulder level. Antique locket ring, circa 1860, France.
Basque wedding band in 18 karat gold (750). Large wedding band bearing the partially faded inscription “Orhoitzapena”, meaning “souvenir” in Basque. Regional jewel from the South-West, France, Basque Country area.
Finger size: 48 EU or 4.5 US (resizing possible)
Ring width: 4 mm
Condition: patina and scratches from use, inscription partially legible
Art nouveau leaf ring in 18 karat (750) gold and platinum. Antique ring with a flower and leaf in yellow gold. The main diamond weighs approximately 0.25 carat. The ring is decorated with nine rose-cut diamonds. An original model, typical of this period inspired by plants and nature. Art Nouveau ring, circa 1900.
Owl hallmark (18k gold)
Finger size: 57 EU or 8 US (can be changed)
Design dimensions: 17 x 14 mm
Estimated diamond weight: 0.45 carat
Estimated total weight of main diamond: 0.25 carat
Antique ram cameo ring in 14-karat rose gold (585) centered around an agate cameo depicting two rams side by side. One has its head turned towards the inside of the ring. Roman cameo from the 1st or 2nd century AD, 19th-century setting.
Shell hallmark (French State hallmark for 14-karat gold)
Adjustable ring size: 6.75 US
Cameo dimensions: 12.5 mm x 13.4 mm
Condition: loss on the edge of the cameo, setting with depressions.
Edwardian coral ring in 18-karat rose gold (750). The ring is adorned with a large round cabochon of dark orange coral. The coral displays visible “flame” growth lines, apparent to the naked eye and typical of this gem. The ring’s band is simple, with only a few chiselings under the cabochon, revealing a floral motif. Antique ring, early 20th century.
Eagle head hallmark (french state hallmark for 18 karat gold)
Finger size: 46 EU or 3.5 US (resizing possible)
Dimensions of the coral cabochon: 12 x 7 mm
Weight: 3.04 g
Gemology note: Coral is an organic gem. Only the branched limestone trunks of certain corals are used in jewelry. Its color is due to organic pigments close to carotene: ranging from blood red to white, passing through “angel skin” pink. Currently, most coral species are protected by CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Marquise Catalan garnets ring in 18-karat rose gold. This marquise-shaped ring features a navette-cut garnet at its center, surrounded by eight round garnets cut in the Perpignan style. The central garnet is mounted on a structure fixed by attachments/rings to the ring head. The “Perpignan cut” garnets are mounted on paillons and set in a closed setting. They typically have a raspberry, pink-red color, which is typical of Catalan jewelry, with a range of nuances that are revealed in sunlight. The ring has understated decoration on the shoulders. The gold structure is finely decorated with V-shaped triangular figures on the edges, and the bottoms of the gem settings are domed. This regional marquise ring is from the mid-19th century in France.
Horse head hallmark (1838-1919) and Mercury head hallmark. Illegible regional hallmark.