Victorian 18ct Gold Sapphire and Diamond Boat Ring, Birmingham 1892

The traditional boat-shaped setting holds three graduated oval sapphires, with the largest positioned proudly at the centre and a smaller sapphire to either side. Nestled between them are four diamonds, arranged in pairs to create a lovely contrast against the deep blue stones.

The shoulders are beautifully carved with scrolling foliate decoration that flows into the setting, giving the ring an incredibly decorative appearance from the side as well as from above. This type of detailed, sculptural workmanship is particularly associated with Victorian boat rings and gives the piece so much more character than a simple stone-set band.

The ring weighs 3.8 grams and carries a full set of British hallmarks for Birmingham 1892, placing it firmly within the late Victorian period. More than 130 years later, those hallmarks give us a wonderful tangible connection to exactly when and where it was assayed.

This ring is currently a generous Finger Size U½ and it is a particularly handsome antique ring with real presence on the finger.