Antique Early Victorian Emerald 18k Gold Four Stone Ring

Encased in rich 18k gold, four natural green emeralds center this ring from the Early Victorian era, circa 1850. The closed-back settings are reminiscent of Georgian jewelry, with the delicateness of Victorian craftsmanship. With a total weight of approximately 1.60 carats, one emerald has been replaced, which only adds to the character of a piece that has survived and been cherished for over 150 years. Emeralds have long been symbolic of rebirth and love, fitting for the romantic jewels that came out of the 19th century. Their use in adornment dates back to ancient times, and they have been widely popular across many cultures. These four bright stones are excellent examples of emerald “jardins”—French for gardens—which describe the one-of-a-kind imperfections found in most specimens that resemble natural growth found in flora.

Substantially crafted for its age, the ring bears no have hallmarks, which is not uncommon for the period, but it has been tested for gold content. The band shows evidence of prior resizing.