Victorian Opal, Emerald and Ruby Ring

This beautiful ring is a true Victorian treasure. The ring has the original hallmarks that tell its history.

This ring is a stunning statement ring. The large cabochon gem in the centre is a natural white opal. Opals were very popular in the Victorian era, as it was historically the favourite gemstone of Prince Albert the spouse of Queen Victoria. 

Opals experienced a significant resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era (roughly 1837–1901), transforming from a misunderstood, superstition-shrouded gem into a staple of romantic jewelry. This popularity was driven by the personal patronage of Queen Victoria, the discovery of new, high-quality sources, and the era’s fascination with romanticism and sentimentality. 

The Romans saw opals as symbols of hope, purity, and good fortune, often considering them the most powerful gem because they contained the colors of all other gems. The Greeks believed they granted prophecy and protected against disease.

Queen Victoria actively worked to dispel this myth. She adored opals, viewing them as symbols of hope and fidelity, and famously gifted them to her daughters, cementing them as a, fashionable, and desirable gem. In the 1840s, major opal deposits were discovered in Australia. These Australian stones were of exceptionally high quality, offering brilliant "play of colour"—a dazzling, kaleidoscope of colour.

This opal may be one of those opals. On the shoulders are additional gems. There are four (4) emeralds, and two (2) rubies. All gems are set in 18K yellow gold.

The ring's hallmarks on the inside of the shank really tell a story and it's all stamped on the inside of the ring. The ring is stamped from left to right:
R.P / Crown / 18 / Anchor / J

The crown and the 18 indicate that the item is made out of 18K Gold. The Anchor indicates that the item was assayed in Birmingham, England. Assaying gold and its hallmarks was an assurance that you were buying gold. The date letter "J" indicates that the item was assayed and hallmarked in 1858. 

The R.P is the manufacturer's makers mark. It was made by Robert Pringle & Sons. Clerkenwell Road, London EC1

This ring is not a suitable ring for daily wear - it's really for collectors. Antique jewellery with a closed-back setting requires extra care primarily because moisture can become trapped between the gemstone and the metal backing, causing irreversible damage. Unlike open-back settings that allow cleaning agents and water to pass through, closed-back settings—common in Georgian and early Victorian pieces—encase the gemstone in a metal cup. 

These gems all have a closed back setting and should be treated like the fine jewellery that it is. Many closed-back pieces use a thin piece of foil behind the stone to enhance its color and reflection. If water or cleaning agents enter this area, the foil can become discolored, tarnished, or damaged, leading to a cloudy or dull appearance. Water that enters a closed-back setting can get trapped, causing the inside to remain damp, which can cause both the metal and the gemstone to deteriorate.

There is slight play of colour left in the opal and the side gems are bright and lively. This ring is a true antique treasure.

Ring Size: 6.5 US (Cannot be sized as you would lose hallmarks)
Item Weight: 1.45 g