Antique 18k Gold Pearl and Diamond Floral Ring

Maybe it’s time that you considered pearls! Dear Billy is making it our mission to show you that pearls are not just for your Grammie- but that they are for anyone who lives for treasure and appreciates the story behind their jewels.  For thousands of years, humans have been braving dangerous waters to hunt for these natural glimmering phenomena, pulling up true tons of shells in the hope that one or two might bare a pearl.
 
In order to create a ring such as this one, each pearl needed to be delicately drilled by hand (no power tools and possibly even by by candlelight!) so as not to destroy the gem and then finely strung on a tiny thread or delicately mounted into the setting. A true labor of love!! Seed pearls such as these were popular in mourning jewelry in the Victorian era after Queen Victoria's famous brooch honoring Prince Albert, but were also found in wedding and love token pieces as a means of communicating purity, grace and luxury. 
 
This beautiful, feminine ring dates to around 1900, possibly earlier. It is set in 14k gold with fantastic granulated beadwork on the setting and band that is reminiscent of the Etruscan Revival style. This beadwork detail really sets the ring apart from many more plain cluster rings of its time. 5 natural seed pearls surround an Old Mine cut diamond creating a romantic flower shape, a classic Victorian style. As if that wasn’t delightful enough, this beautiful ring contains a locket back! A tiny hidden compartment resides on the back of the cluster, undoubtedly once used to hold a lock of lover’s hair or other token. The original glue remains and the romance is off charts- just how Dear Billy intended. 
 
Size 5.25
Weight 2g
No hallmarks, tests 14k