Fantastic Antique Signet Ring, Carnelian in 18k Gold c. 1900

     If you love antiques, and you're in London, there is only one place that you absolutely cannot miss, it's called Gray's Antique Centre and it houses hundreds of dealers selling everything from ancient artifacts to art deco gems! Gray's can be found hiding just off of Oxford Street in a lovely terracotta wedge of a building in the heart of London's West End (speaking of west ends, the building was built in the 19th century by John Bolding and Son as a toilet factory - hence the nickname 'John' for toilet). Give yourself some time because Gray's has actually spread out over the years and now sprawls over two floors of two adjoining buildings. It's enough to make even the most novice antiquer giddy as a schoolgirl!

     I found this ring at Gray's on a Thursday morning. Handcrafted in 18 karat gold, this highly stylized signet ring is set with a smooth, uncarved oval of carnelian. The scrolling column motif has a hint of Egyptian revival styling and while this ring is unmarked, I highly suspect that it dates to about 1890-1900.  It feels like a French ring to me, it has a soft finish to the gold, it's unmarked, so there's no way of knowing its true origins.  I've acid tested it to verify that it is, indeed, 18 karat gold. It has a nice weighty feel at 8.3 grams. This ring is a size 6 but could be resized up or down by a size or two, probably more up than down because I think it was resized down already at some point. The carnelian measures 12.5 mm x 10.3 mm x 3 mm deep and the overall top of the ring measures 21.3 mm north south, 15.5 mm across and sits 3.5 off of the finger.

     This wonderful ring is very crisp and super stylie, perfect for a woman or man.

     I offer layaway on most items purchased for full retail price. In general my layaway terms are 1/3 down and 1/3 in 30 days and the last 1/3 in 60 days. I am flexible so if you are interested please ask me and we can work out a payment plan that suits you. Items ship when payment is complete and items purchased or payments made on layaway are eligible for store credit only.

     I always want you to be happy with every aspect of your purchase in my shop. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason simply let me know and we'll work together to get the item returned for a full refund. I guarantee that my pictures and descriptions are as accurate as possible. My goal is to exceed your best expectations!

SKU: RGA17984VA