This rare French ring, dating from the late 19th century, is a striking example of sentimental jewellery. Crafted in 18K gold, it features an oval miniature portrait beneath a glass panel, with a concealed compartment on the underside—designed to hold a small memento, such as a photograph, a lock of hair, or a personal note. The current portrait can be easily replaced with an image or memento of your own!

Portrait miniature rings were often tokens of love or remembrance, commissioned and worn by close family members. The presence of black enamel suggests that this piece may have served as a mourning ring, a discreet yet deeply personal way of keeping a loved one close.

The craftsmanship is superb, with the enamel work remaining in exceptional condition despite its age. The hinged compartment door functions perfectly, and the glass panel is securely set and well-preserved. The ring is fully hallmarked with the French tête d’aigle (eagle’s head) control mark for Paris-made 18K gold, alongside a maker’s lozenge mark bearing the initials LP.

• UK Size: Q | US Size: 8¼
• Weight: 3.84g
• Bezel Dimensions: 16mm x 10mm
• Band Width: 3.5mm at the back

A beautifully preserved and highly wearable piece, this ring is a remarkable relic of 19th-century sentimental jewellery, combining elegance with an intimate hidden compartment.

The Victorian era was a period of great change and innovation in the world of jewellery. Spanning from 1837 to 1901, the era witnessed an explosion of styles from romantic and sentimental to Gothic and grotesque. The use of jet, onyx, and coral in mourning jewellery became popular after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. The discovery of diamond mines in South Africa in 1867 led to an increase in the use of diamonds in jewellery, as well as the popularity of more elaborate gemstone cuts such as the cushion, rose, and old mine cuts.

Victorian jewellery was also notable for its use of complex symbolism, such as snake motifs that represented eternal love or the use of flowers to convey hidden meanings. The jewellery made in this era featured the finest materials and was made by highly skilled craftsmen, making it some of the most desirable antique jewellery for its unique charm and fine quality.

DELIVERY

We are pleased to offer free worldwide shipping on all our orders. We dispatch all items via a secure and trackable delivery service providing full insurance for your item. You will receive a shipping confirmation email after purchase with your tracking number so that you know your order is on its way. We aim to dispatch all items within 1-2 working days after payment has been received.

For UK delivery, we send with Royal Mail Special Delivery, arriving by the next working day. For International orders over £1000 we use DHL Express International, and for orders under £1000 we use Royal Mail International Tracked and Signed. All items are sent fully insured.

You can find more information about our shipping policy here.

RETURNS

We understand that purchasing antique jewellery online can be a daunting task, which is why we offer an easy, no-hassle returns policy. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply get in touch within 14 days of receipt for a full refund, no questions asked. We want our customers to feel confident when buying from us, and our returns policy is just one way we ensure this.

Conditions: Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. All items are to be returned in their original condition and packaging. Buyer damaged items and items bought on layaway are ineligible for returns. Items over £2500 can be returned for store credit only.

You can find more information about our returns policy here.