Sometimes, you find the niftiest stuff at charity shops! I picked up this little gem today:
I’ve researched it, and asked jewelers about it, and compared it with other examples online. It’s been tested by a reputable auction house and the conclusion of all, is that this is a stunning example of a Victorian era baby’s ring (probably a pinkie ring)!
It is intended for use by infants and toddlers. It is absolutely tiny! I can’t fit it onto my pinkie-finger, and my hands are pretty small. Something like this was probably a present to a newborn or to a baby on its first birthday. The ring is certified 10kt gold, and the star settings are red garnet, and seed pearls, as can be seen here:
The ring dates to the second half of the Victorian era, probably between 1870-1890. I’ve never seen one like it before, but examples online which closely resemble this ring all state that they are baby’s rings, and that they are usually 10kt gold. I consulted a jeweler friend of mine (if you’re reading this, you know who you are! Thanks!), and he said that it was common for 10 & 15kt gold to be unmarked in the period before Australian federation (which was 1901). Since this ring is Victorian in date, that makes a lot of sense.
I’m so amazed to own this thing! I just had to share it 🙂
Hi Shahan, I follow, with great interest, your regular posts on the Antiques and Collectables Marketplace. Just found your blog and saw this one about the baby’s/ child’s ring. I bought a similar one on ebay a few months ago; probably not as fine (mine has two turquoise stones), but equally as fascinating. It is tiny! It was in the antique doll category of ebay- which is my area of interest. I display it with my antique dolls and other related paraphernalia! Love reading about your finds and repairs! Keep up the good work! Dale Kochevatkin (Mackay, Qld)
Haha!! Hi Dale. Yes I’m a regular poster on that group as well. This is my blog where I share some other stuff (mostly musings on history etc). Right now, I update about once a month.