This antique Victorian era rose cut diamond horseshoe ring was made in Austro-Hungary, circa 1900. 

This utterly charming signet ring features a horseshoe motif at the front of the bezel. The motif has symbolised luck and fortune for centuries. The legend is believed to date back to the middle ages when evil forces were supposedly repelled by horseshoes.

The horseshoe is set with a total of 11 rose cut diamonds, all in rubover gold settings. The diamonds are foil-backed to enhance their lustre by reflecting light back out through the stone, and the triangular facets of the rose cuts allowed them to glisten more beautifully in candlelight.

The ring is crafted in 14K gold and weighs 7.68 grams. The horseshoe measures 12mm x 9mm, and the diamonds measure approx 2mm across each. The inner band carries an Austrohungarian ‘fuchskopf’ fox head hallmark which indicates 14K gold, made in Vienna between 1872 and 1922. There is a maker’s mark present. 

UK size S 1/2, US size 9.5

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

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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.