This unusual ring is set with a green chalcedony, a carnelian, and an onyx plaque. Each is engraved with an symbol, representing Hope (anchor), Love (heart), and Faith (cross). These intaglio's are all placed in closed, cushion-like settings, held by a forked ring shank.
'Hope, Love and Faith' is a motto that was used frequently in antique jewellery, especially in the 19th Century. This quote can be found in the Bible, where the disciple Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13: “Three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love".
A very similar ring, gifted by J.H. Goethe to his beloved Minchen Herzlieb, kan be found in The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, as shown in Rings, The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, Anna Chadour, 1994, Volume 1, page 462, no. 1488.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: wears as a US 6.75, UK N, circumference 53.5 mm.
This ring was sized down in the past, creating a slightly oval profile. It could be sized up again if desired.
The front measures 7 x 19 mm.
Weight: 2.71 grams
Material: Acid tested as 18k gold,.
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1820s.
Condition: In great antique condition, with only minor wear, consistent with its age. The shank was sized down in the past, creating a slightly oval profile: a small resizing mark can be seen at the back.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes.