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Samuel Phillip & Co.

Vintage Mens Signet Ring 18 Karat Yellow and Silver Topped House Crest

$2,084.95 USD
This vintage 18 karat yellow and white gold signet ring is emblematic of historical significance and personal identity. The centerpiece is an octopus crest, meticulously engraved and filled with a likely resin-based black ink or paint, which in times past would have been used to imprint a family seal on wax or paper, signifying authenticity and status. This blackened backdrop serves to accentuate the gold detailing of the crest, a practice that dates back to ancient civilizations where signet rings were symbols of power and personal signatures.

Signet rings such as this one were traditionally worn by men of prominence, indicating lineage or alliance. The ring's robust design, with a substantial gold band tapering to a solid, shield-shaped face, signifies the wearer's influence and standing. This ring, with its commanding presence, carries the essence of its forebears’ societal roles and the continuity of their legacy.

Size: 12
Signage: "750" and a maker's mark
Condition: In great vintage condition with signs of wear. Please see photos.

Product information

Dive into the enchanting world of antique jewelry! See below for some delightful insights behind some of these timeless pieces.

Georgian Era (1714-1837)

  • Secret Lovers' Messages: Georgian jewelry often contained hidden compartments for locks of hair or miniature portraits, serving as secret tokens of affection. The intricate designs allowed for personal mementos to be kept close, discreetly.

Victorian Era (1837-1901)

  • Romantic Symbolism: Beyond flowers and hearts, Victorian jewelry was rich in symbolism. Snakes, for example, represented eternity and love, inspired by Queen Victoria’s engagement ring, which was in the shape of a serpent.

Edwardian Era (1901-1915)

  • Lace in Metal: The Edwardian era is famed for its use of platinum to create delicate, lace-like designs in jewelry. The metal's strength allowed for finer, more intricate work that mimicked the appearance of the finest lace.

Art Nouveau (1890-1910)

  • Nature Comes Alive: Art Nouveau jewelry often featured fantastical interpretations of natural elements, with animals and mythical creatures rendered in sinuous, flowing forms that seemed almost alive.

Art Deco (1920s-1930s)

  • Architectural Influence: The bold, geometric patterns of Art Deco jewelry were directly inspired by the contemporary architectural marvels of the time, including the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, mirroring their linear forms and stylized motifs.

Retro (1935-1950)

  • Hollywood Glamour: Retro jewelry mirrored the opulence and escapism of Hollywood's Golden Age, with oversized, dramatic pieces that were meant to be seen and admired, embodying the glitz and glam of cinema stars.

Modernist (1950s-Present)

  • Art as Jewelry: Modernist jewelers viewed their creations as wearable art, prioritizing form and artistic expression over traditional gemstone value. Pieces often featured abstract designs and unconventional materials, reflecting the era's broader artistic movements.

Victorian Hair Jewelry: 

In the Victorian era, it was not uncommon for jewelry to be made from the hair of a loved one. These pieces ranged from simple lockets with a lock of hair inside to elaborate bracelets, necklaces, and even wreaths, serving as sentimental tokens of affection or memorials to the deceased.

The Language of Gems: 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, acrostic jewelry became popular. These pieces spelled out secret messages with the first letter of each gemstone. For example, a piece might use Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Topaz to spell out "DEAREST."

Memento Mori Jewelry: 

This type of jewelry served as a reminder of mortality and the inevitability of death. Popular from the 16th to the 18th century, memento mori pieces often featured skulls, coffins, and skeletons, crafted with a surprising elegance and detail.

SHIPPING

We offer free shipping for all orders. After you place an order, it typically takes three to five business days for us to prepare and send out your purchase. Your order will be shipped priority overnight with full insurance coverage. Once dispatched, the arrival time for your item is usually within two business days. Please note, unforeseen delays beyond our control may occasionally occur, affecting delivery times. We will require ‘Direct Signature’ under the label meaning only someone from that address can sign for the package. In any event, a sales representative will call you to establish the safest, most secure measures.

RETURNS

You can initiate a no hassle return within 7 days of receiving your item, provided it remains in its original condition. To start a return, simply click contact us here, and someone from our team will guide you through our easy return process.

Regular inspection and maintenance of your fine jewelry is crucial. We recommend having a professional jeweler check and clean your pieces every six months. For at-home care, a jewelry cloth can be used to gently remove dirt and tarnish. Although ultrasonic cleaners are widely used for many modern jewelry items, they are not suitable for cleaning antique pieces.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance!