Sentimental Ring

RING – SENTIMENTAL JEWEL, 1893

A late Victorian sentimental ring, centred with a heart-shaped ornament engraved with the initials “EW” in finely executed script, with threading and flourishes. This is attached to a band featuring four windows containing woven hair, divided by chased panels.

This form of jewellery is characteristic of late Victorian sentimental practice, where pieces were exchanged as personal tokens between individuals with a close emotional association. Whilst this may have been a gift between close friends, the combination of a heart motif, engraved initials, and contained hairwork strongly suggests a romantic relationship.

Mount: 4.65mm width; finger size R½; Maker’s mark “CR”; 2.70g;