-Victorian 1870 Operculum Carved Shell Memento Ring In 14Kt Yellow And Rose Gold

Victorian ring with carved operculum shell

An extremely rare piece, created in England during the high Victorian era (1837-1901), back in the 1870. This is a very unusual memento carved cameo ring, carefully crafted with an oval shape in solid yellow and rose gold of 14 karats with polished finish. It is mount with a high relief cameo style masterfully carved with impeccable and precise details. 

Operculum Shell: Mount on top in a bezel setting, with 1 round cabochon cut (23 x 18 x 10 mm) of a natural operculum shell. It is carved in high relief, with the portrait of a bearded man facing to the left,

Weight: 9.63 Grams, (6.17 Dwt).

Size: 4.5 and may be resized on request.

Measurements: 26 mm by 21 mm (1.02 x 0.83 Inches) and raise 10 mm over the finger.

Hallmarks: No marks as usual. Was electronically tested for 14 karats gold.

Victorian Jewelry

This era was one of the most influenced and influential periods of antique jewelry. This period is defined by the British monarch, in this case, Alexandrina Victoria, the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as the Empress of India, years 1837-1901. There are 3 sub-periods within this era. First, the early, Romantic period, which is soaked in traditions, natural motifs in gold and silver, clear stones only being worn during the day and colored gems by night. The second being the Grand or mourning period, which coincides with the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert the consort, who died in December of 1861. This period included large, dark, somber, dramatic jewelry, with a lot of black onyx, jet wood, amethyst, garnet and gold. This lasted until 1880's, when the aesthetic period of jewelry began. The Late or third stage of the Victorian period, use more complex and feminine motifs, returning to the natural, including many floral and celestial designs, with more decadent gemstones, lasting until the turn of the century. The Victorian era of jewelry includes many movements found in other countries, including revivals such as the Etruscan the Roman and the Egyptian as well as the Art Nouveau, Liberty style and Arts and Crafts design movements which lead into the beginning of the twentieth century.

Operculum Shell Jewelry

First of all these unusual black and brown shells have a cat’s-eye appearance and were common used in Victorian jewelry. Operculum is Latin for “lid” or “cover” and is a unique type of freshwater snail shell. Widely popular in the Victorian era, operculum jewelry was worn to ward off the evil eye and protect the wearer. An operculum is a calcareous structure created by many sea snails that serves as a little “trapdoor” to safely close them inside their shell. When, say, the tide goes out, stranding a sea snail too far from the water, the gastropod can draw itself deep into its shell and pull the operculum closed behind it.

 Collateral: This ring is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this ring is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The carved shell is secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: R062423VINM/.1805