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- Antique French Gold and Silver Marcasite Lattice Locket Ring, Inscribed 1893
Antique French Gold and Silver Marcasite Lattice Locket Ring, Inscribed 1893
Antique French Gold and Silver Marcasite Lattice Locket Ring, Inscribed 1893
Intricate, Mysterious.
We love a jewel with a secret.
Dating to 1893, the design of this lattice plaque ring draws on historical precedents reaching back to the 18th century, particularly the bagues au firmament, with scattered diamonds suggesting stars in the sky, often set within an elongated octagonal plaque. Here, the effect is subtler: tiny marcasites glint at the intersections of the open silver lattice, with a contrasting gold panel underneath softly glowing through. The scrolling shoulders are a beautiful offset to the geometry of the plaque and lattice.
As pretty as the plaque and shoulders are, we find that the best feature is behind the scenes. Turn the ring over to discover its most personal detail, hidden and known only to the wearer (and giver). The reverse is fitted with a hinged gold cover, intricately engraved in script with the entwined initials “LW” or “WL” and the date in French, “22 Mars 1893.” Lift the cover to reveal a secret, shallow compartment.
We acquired this as a vinaigrette, and that indeed may gave been its original function. We can imagine a tiny satin cushion inside, soaked in a favorite scent. The compartment could also have accommodated a tiny personal keepsake or memento. Whatever it once held has been lost to time, but the engraved initials and precise date tell us that this was a deeply personal, meaningful jewel.
There are wonderful possibilities for now making the compartment your own. Tuck a minuscule note inside or take inspiration from its 18th-century predecessors and place pieces of colored foil or satin beneath the lattice, adding a flash of color. Or spray that satin with your perfume. We personally love the understated effect of the gold panel peeking through the marcasites.
Marked with illegible marks on the outside of the shank. We believe the ring is French, based on its design, French inscription, and place of acquisition.
18k gold, silver, marcasite.
Dimensions and weight:
● Plaque: 18.5 mm long x 13.2 mm wide x 3.5 mm deep
● US ring size 8.5
● 5.3 grams
Period: Victorian/Belle Époque
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear is present, including wear and small chips to some of the stones. We replaced one stone.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
Intricate, Mysterious.
We love a jewel with a secret.
Dating to 1893, the design of this lattice plaque ring draws on historical precedents reaching back to the 18th century, particularly the bagues au firmament, with scattered diamonds suggesting stars in the sky, often set within an elongated octagonal plaque. Here, the effect is subtler: tiny marcasites glint at the intersections of the open silver lattice, with a contrasting gold panel underneath softly glowing through. The scrolling shoulders are a beautiful offset to the geometry of the plaque and lattice.
As pretty as the plaque and shoulders are, we find that the best feature is behind the scenes. Turn the ring over to discover its most personal detail, hidden and known only to the wearer (and giver). The reverse is fitted with a hinged gold cover, intricately engraved in script with the entwined initials “LW” or “WL” and the date in French, “22 Mars 1893.” Lift the cover to reveal a secret, shallow compartment.
We acquired this as a vinaigrette, and that indeed may gave been its original function. We can imagine a tiny satin cushion inside, soaked in a favorite scent. The compartment could also have accommodated a tiny personal keepsake or memento. Whatever it once held has been lost to time, but the engraved initials and precise date tell us that this was a deeply personal, meaningful jewel.
There are wonderful possibilities for now making the compartment your own. Tuck a minuscule note inside or take inspiration from its 18th-century predecessors and place pieces of colored foil or satin beneath the lattice, adding a flash of color. Or spray that satin with your perfume. We personally love the understated effect of the gold panel peeking through the marcasites.
Marked with illegible marks on the outside of the shank. We believe the ring is French, based on its design, French inscription, and place of acquisition.
18k gold, silver, marcasite.
Dimensions and weight:
● Plaque: 18.5 mm long x 13.2 mm wide x 3.5 mm deep
● US ring size 8.5
● 5.3 grams
Period: Victorian/Belle Époque
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear is present, including wear and small chips to some of the stones. We replaced one stone.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
