{"title":"Garnets Galore!","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"antique-georgian-mourning-ring-early-19th-century-gold-color-ring-with-pearls-hair-gems-and-inscription","title":"The Dearly Departed Trio ~ Georgian Mourning Ring - Early 19th Century Gold Color Ring with Pearls, Hair, Gems, and Inscription","description":"\u003cp\u003eAvailable here is a highly unique and detailed mourning ring dating to the late Georgian era, c. 1821. The front of the ring is decorated with seed pearls and three rose-cut pinkish-purple colored gemstones. these stones are most likely garnets, but may also be amethysts or even rubies, according to a jeweler I had take a look at the stones. As of now, it is impossible to determine exactly what they are without taking them out of their delicate setting, so based on the popularity and common usage of garnets during this time period, this is most likely the stone that was used here. There is also a glass locket panel behind which sits a lock of human hair. To the reverse of the ring, an inscription reads “Mary (last name illegible) Ob (died) 6th Aug. 1821 aet (age) 62.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis mourning ring is rather sweet. Rather than the somber blacks and whites we often see in mourning jewelry, this ring is decorated with delicate seed pearls, and pinky-red stones, likely garnets. It seems that whoever commissioned this ring wanted to remember only the beautiful things about these people. And yes, I say people, because what’s unusual about this ring is that it seems to contain inscriptions relating to three different people, something highly unusual and not often seen in mourning jewelry. In fact, it looks like the inscription may have gone all the way around the inside of the shank at one point, but solder marks indicate evidence of a resize at some point, leading to the loss of some of the inscription unfortunately. This is still a highly unique, beautiful, and curious treasure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition notes: One seed pearl was missing when purchased at auction and has since been replaced. The glass panel on the front is a bit hazy, making it difficult to see the detail of the hair underneath. Solder marks appear on the back of the ring, suggesting evidence of a resize at one point. About half of the inscription is still legible, though small enough that using a loupe to read it all would be helpful, but the other half of the inscription is illegible\/too rubbed over to make out accurately. Metal is likely 9k gold, but it is untested. Ring size 8.5 US.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Curiosity Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46858230563051,"sku":null,"price":1750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/files\/fff81be0-il_fullxfull.7243932715_9zjv.jpg?v=1757888216"},{"product_id":"the-hester-antique-late-georgian-flat-cut-foil-back-garnet-paste-gilt-bracelet","title":"The Hester ~ Late Georgian Garnet Paste Gilt Bracelet","description":"\u003cp\u003eMeet The Hester: Nathaniel Hawthorne's protagonist Hester Prynne was forced to bear the shame of wearing the Scarlet Letter, thus infamously associating that name and color with shame and a negative connotation. Not so here. At Old Curiosity Jewels, The Hester is a deep, rich, juicy scarlet color, but she is unabashedly so. She does not hide her richness, rarity, or what makes her special. Just as, if Hester Prynne were alive today (and real), we'd honor her for her compassion, resilience, and inner strength, rather than make her hide what makes her unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hester is an enchanting and dainty antique gilt bracelet from the late Georgian Era. It is set with the most lovely, rich, glowing stones (presumed garnet, but untested, so I am selling this as a paste stone bracelet). The garnet pastes are in closed-back, pie crust settings with foiling on the underside of the stones, which further enhances their glow (Water can damage foiled settings, so it’s important not to get the bracelet wet). The bracelet closes with a tongue and groove clasp with the closure for the tongue cleverly concealed within one of the stone settings. This kind of closure is fantastic, because it’s one you can fasten on your own! the gold setting also has a lovely patina that tells on her age a little bit, but that’s okay, because aging is beautiful. Normally, I do like to clean and polish my antique pieces pretty thoroughly, but there was something about the gold colored patina on this one that just worked so beautifully with the stones, so I decided to leave it as is. I can only imagine the dainty wrist this must have graced a few hundred years ago…where it’s been, the dinners, dances, and soirées it has seen, witnessing the romanticism of days gone by all while glimmering in the candlelight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hester bracelet measures 6.5 inches when the tongue is inserted, and 7 inches total when unclasped and the length of the tongue is added. 13.26 grams total weight. Unmarked and untested, but appears to be a gilt, non-gold alloy. Please note that this is an antique piece, and is well over 100 years old. As such, it is a pre-owned piece and is not in mint condition. Antique pieces almost always have hints of patina, surface wear, small nicks, and other signs commensurate with its age. Please keep this in mind before deciding if a piece is right for you. I have done my best to document all the details or any major flaws of the piece both in writing and photographs to help you make your decision.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Curiosity Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46858230759659,"sku":null,"price":1075.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/files\/e663327c-il_fullxfull.7002989609_fcsq.jpg?v=1757888216"},{"product_id":"victorian-18k-gold-paste-tsavorite-garnet-diamond-cluster-ring","title":"The Ivy Ring ~ Victorian 18k Gold Paste, Tsavorite Garnet, \u0026 Diamond Cluster Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Edwardian ring glows bright, with the tsavorite garnet and paste stones so richly saturated they are easily confused for emeralds. The stones are accented by diamonds and set in an 18 carat gold band fully hallmarked for the city of Birmingham in the year 1904. when I first purchased this ring, the description from the auction house merely described it as “tsavorite and paste.” Upon viewing the stones under magnification and looking closely at the inclusions, and comparing those to the natural inclusion patterns of known tsavorite garnet specimens vs. glass stones, I believe the center stone to be the authentic tsavorite garnet, and the side\/accent green stones to be made of paste.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Curiosity Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46972484452587,"sku":null,"price":625.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/files\/IMG_8316.jpg?v=1762722779"},{"product_id":"victorian-garnet-pearl-double-heart-sweethearts-ring","title":"The Sweethearts ~ Victorian Garnet \u0026 Pearl Double Heart Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere is your chance to snag one of the ever-so-sought-after double heart sweethearts ring. Dating to the late Victorian era, the main stones at the center of each heart are set with little garnets of a color that remind me of berry jam. When I first received this ring, the shank was weak, worn, cracked, and almost immediately snapped. Originally crafted in 9 carat gold, it has since been skillfully repaired with 14 carat gold, but in a way that the integrity of the initial scroll design on the shoulders has not been affected. One seed pearl that was missing has also been replaced.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Curiosity Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46972519153899,"sku":null,"price":1325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/files\/1F2A887D-C661-4343-949C-21C0BB069EA8.jpg?v=1770798495"},{"product_id":"georgian-pink-garnet-floral-ring","title":"The Garden Fairy ~ Georgian Pink Garnet Floral Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the sweetest Georgian flower ring, featuring three pinkish-hued oval mixed-cut garnets set in a \u003cspan\u003eclosed-back foliate panel. It features a wire-like, ridged shank, and although the yellow metal is unmarked; is tests as 15 carat gold. Total weight is 1.17g.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ring is not an exact size, given its early make and the non-standard sizing of the era, but it could fit between a U.S. size 5.25 - 5.5, or a UK J 1\/2. Because of the uniqueness of the wire-like shank, I don’t think it would be possible to resize without replacing the original shank entirely.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is in great antique condition, with warm, buttery yellow gold and intricate vegetal\/foliate detailing, and the garnets bright and glowy. There are scratches and wear to the metal and little nibbles to the stone facet edges commensurate with age, but the ring is in overall great condition. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Curiosity Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47176594850027,"sku":null,"price":975.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/files\/D289F65E-1101-4F4B-9470-57109CD25CC8.jpg?v=1762757409"},{"product_id":"victorian-gold-cabochon-garnet-diamond-bangle","title":"The Countess ~ Victorian Gold Cabochon Garnet \u0026 Diamond Star Bangle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis gorgeous Victorian bangle features a deep burgundy cabochon garnet, with a diamond in a star setting right at its center. Though unmarked, the bangle tests as 9 carat gold, and has an internal diameter of 5.8cm, and weighs a total of 8g.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition notes: Great antique condition, with \u003cspan\u003esome light wear and scratches to the metal and stones commensurate with age.  All \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003estones are secure. The clasp is in working order and the safety chain is intact.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Curiosity Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47046834225387,"sku":null,"price":1575.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/files\/3F2E490C-A3C8-45C4-8A01-9B7CBEF9C74C.jpg?v=1773349187"},{"product_id":"georgian-gold-garnet-emerald-pearl-paste-cluster-ring","title":"The Harlequin Ring ~ Georgian Gold Garnet, Emerald, Pearl, \u0026 Paste Cluster Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis gorgeous ring dates to the Georgian era and features an 18 carat gold shank with a lovely scroll pattern engraved on it all the way around.  At its center lies a delicate seed pearl, and surrounding it are three reddish garnets, as well as one emerald, and what appear to be two very vibrant green pastes that were perhaps replacements for emeralds that were initially in those settings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition, with the shank thin but solid and the settings secure, and the metal having normal surface wear and scratches but a warm buttery patina. It would be hard to resize this ring without interfering with the scroll pattern on the shank; however, it would make a lovely little pinky ring for those looking to accessorize and create ring stacks in a manner true to how how women of the time period would have styled their rings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Curiosity Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47132348317931,"sku":null,"price":1000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/files\/A7352FDC-21AE-4075-80F3-519F4D7F75AB.jpg?v=1764361921"},{"product_id":"green-garnet-doublet-seed-pearl-cluster-ring","title":"The Frankenstein ~ Green Garnet Doublet \u0026 Seed Pearl Cluster Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eAnother ring named in celebration of Women’s History Month, this one after the title character in the revolutionary author Mary Shelley’s \u003cem\u003eFrankenstein, or a Modern Prometheus\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis lovely ring is a personal collection release, a while I love her, she just doesn’t get worn enough.  The ring dates likely to the late Georgian era, or possibly, the early Victorian era at the very latest. The ring features a locket back, as well as green garnet stones backed with green glass, called doublets, in order to enhance the color of the stones and make them appear this wonderful rich green. The ring is set with three doublets and six natural river pearls. The shank has beautiful scrolling detail, and although unmarked, tests around 12 carat gold. The ring measures 12mm in length and 13mm in width, and weighs a total of 1.9g.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Normal scratches and wear to the metal, as well as very minor scratches to the garnets and slight nacre damage, all commensurate with a ring of this age. I did recently have this ring checked over by my jeweler to make sure the settings are secure. regarding resizing, it \u003cspan\u003ewould probably be difficult to resize this particular ring given its doublet and pearl composition, but it may be possible with a skilled jeweler who specializes in antiques specifically; this would likely not be something a local jeweler could accomplish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eU.S. Ring size 5.25\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003ePlease note that the antique box pictured is for photography purposes only and is not included with the ring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Curiosity Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47132354609387,"sku":null,"price":1100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/files\/1A9491D6-62AA-401F-9090-CA4FD23C0E79.jpg?v=1764459680"},{"product_id":"foiled-garnet-canetille-pendant","title":"The Scarlet Sisters ~ Georgian Foiled Garnet Cannetille Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eA personal collection release! A true treasure from the Georgian era, this flat-cut pendant features the juiciest, most enticing scarlet-red garnets that glow all the more with foil work underneath. They are set in delicate and skillful gold cannetille work. The pendant has a very small, circular metal loop that can be slid onto a chain, though I myself found it difficult to fit over the fastenings of several of my own chains. So, I’ve attached a gold-plated 925 sterling silver bail to that smaller circular loop so that the pendant can easily fit over more chains, but this can be easily removed if desired.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Curiosity Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47824218620139,"sku":null,"price":975.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/files\/il_fullxfull.7768197123_j8s9.jpg?v=1775255424"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3029\/0667\/collections\/IMG_8305.jpg?v=1768964836","url":"https:\/\/oldcuriosityjewels.com\/collections\/garnets-galore.oembed?page=2","provider":"Old Curiosity Jewels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}