Bloodstone Victorian Gentleman’s Ring
Bloodstone or heliotrope is a variety of chalcedony quartz. Symbolically imbued with the traits of a hero, upon its wearer it bestows courage, strength and power as it protects us from our own banal desires. Cut without facets and polished to a smooth flat surface, an oval of heliotrope has been simply set into a mount of 18k gold. August and resplendent in its presentation as a field of green dotted with swirling patterns of deep red, the face of this antique Victorian ring is flanked by wide broad shoulders finely appointed with a classically reeded design that ornaments the entire band.
Measures just less than ½ of an inch or 1.2 cm in width and has a weight of 7 grams. Currently a size US 7-1/2 (British O ½; Euro 17.75, 56 mm). Can be sized. Hallmarks for 18k, Birmingham, England, date letter for 1896 and maker’s mark “S.B. & S”. In excellent condition. Very light wear to gold as commensurate with age and use. British in origin, circa 1896 and the Victorian Aesthetic Period.
