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thumbnail of 1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on white background. thumbnail of 1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on finger. thumbnail of Face on view of 1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on black background. thumbnail of Angled view of 1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on black background. thumbnail of Detail view of the inscription inside an orange carnelian ring reading "Father Died Dec 19, 1891."
1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on white background.
1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on finger.
Face on view of 1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on black background.
Angled view of 1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on black background.
Detail view of the inscription inside an orange carnelian ring reading "Father Died Dec 19, 1891."
Vintage

1891 Oak Intaglio Ring

$2,650
1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on white background.
1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on finger.
Face on view of 1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on black background.
Angled view of 1891 Ring with oval orange carnelian intaglio of a tree set in rosy-yellow gold, shown on black background.
Detail view of the inscription inside an orange carnelian ring reading "Father Died Dec 19, 1891."
Ships Today if Ordered by 1pm EST

An unusual Victorian memorial ring with an intricately carved carnelian intaglio of an oak tree set in rosy 14K yellow gold. Inside is an inscription reading "Father Died Dec. 19, 1891." Unlike the typical symbols and motifs used in Victorian mourning jewelry, the oak tree is rarely seen and was associated with masculine grief. Where Victorian women were expected to wear their grief visibly with overt symbols for mourning, men were expected to grieve more stoically. Fittingly the oak symbolizes both continuity of life and strength through sorrow.

Close inspection reveals an ivy vine wrapped around the trunk. Victorians often used ivy as a symbol for clinging love. This ring was no doubt worn by a Victorian man to lovingly and poetically remember his father.

Currently a size 8-1/2 and could be resized in the 6-1/2 to 9-1/2 range for $75.

Materials

Carnelian and 14K

Date

c1890 (1891 Inscription)

Condition

Good. Heavily patinated with years of surface wear. Some small dents in the gold behind the stone.

Size

US Size 8-1/2 (could be resized in the 6-1/2 to 9-1/2 range for $75)
Carnelian: 14 x 11mm

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