Victorian Jubilee Sapphire, Ruby & Diamond Ring

Diamonds: The round diamonds in this piece are faceted as English star cuts, with an average diameter of 2.00 mm. The estimated total weight of the diamonds is 0.12 carats.

Coloured Gems: This piece features three sapphires and three rubies, faceted as traditional mixed cuts and graduated in size. The gems range in size from approximately 2.00 mm to 3.00 mm, with an estimated total weight of 0.61 carats.

Setting: The setting consists of what appears to be a pair of rings from the late Victorian era, designed to resemble claw-set half hoops that are slightly offset from one another. The ring is set with gemstones that are all secured with sculpted prongs and graduated shoulders, sitting on a D-profile shank. The maker’s mark on the piece reads “D and Co” for Edward Durbin and Co, a manufacturer based on Frederick Street in Birmingham. Also inscribed is a pattern number “21”.

In the late Victorian era,  commemorative jewels were made to celebrate the Jubilees of Queen Victoria in 1887, 1897 and 1901. These jewels incorporated the red, white, and blue colours of the Union Jack, the national flag of the United Kingdom. The red colour was represented by a ruby, the white colour by a diamond or pearl, and the blue colour by a blue sapphire. When made as a ring the most common style was the “two-part” ring, which resembled two three-stone rings placed next to each other, but slightly offset. This design was popular as it followed the trend of wearing multiple rings on one finger. Occasionally, there were “three-part” rings, where the red, white, and blue stones were placed in the centre of each three-stone grouping. Commemorative rings for jubilees are a unique and distinctly British form of jewellery. They serve as a reflection of the importance of the British monarchy in the hearts and minds of the people and act as a reminder of Britain’s rich history and enduring traditions.