Acrostic jewellery is one where gemstones are used to "spell" out a word such as can be seen here in this very attractive antique Regard ring made in 1897.
This Regard ring from the late Victorian era is made in 18ct gold and set with a Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby and a Diamond in a line design where the gemstones not only look stunning and vibrant but also graduate in size. Even the setting has so much detail with the most elegant scroll work combined with hand engraved shoulders.
Often given to a loved one, there is so much romance in many antique pieces of jewellery and acrostic jewellery such as this is certainly no exception and this ring will make a wonderful conversation starter.
Genuine antique Regard rings are becoming so increasingly hard to find, and this one is in wonderful condition which is also a testament to the jewellery that was being made over 100 years ago.
From where the gemstones start across to the other side, this distance measures 15.8mm by 6.3mm wide at the centre and feels so comfortable to wear on any finger.
This late Victorian antique Regard ring is just so elegant and combined with the romance makes it even more special.
Stock# ES7324
Hallmarked: Birmingham 1897
$Sold
Out of stock
Antique Regard ring made in 1897. 18ct gold acrostic ring from the Victorian era.
A brief article on Regard jewellery:
Acrostic jewellery is a form of jewellery where the first letter of each gemstone ‘spells’ out a particular word or meaning. This form of jewellery goes as far back as the 1700s and was thought to have originated from French jeweller Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) who made jewellery for Marie Antoinette and Empress Josephine. This form of jewellery quickly became popular, and came across the channel to be embraced by many English jewellers.
However, acrostic jewellery became most popular during the mid-19th century during what is known as the Romantic era. In France at this time the common words found in acrostic jewellery were often ‘souvenir’ (remembrance) and ‘amitié’ (friendship). In England, this form of jewellery is most often be found in brooches and rings known as a ‘regard’; which would feature a ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and a diamond, or perhaps the word ‘love’ would be made, the piece being set with a lapis, opal, vermeil (an old name for hessonite garnet) and emerald.
Other romantic sentiments found in acrostic jewellery can also be found in the form of ‘dearest’ and ‘adore’ jewellery. J’adore (love), was spelled out in a ring with jacinth, amethyst, diamond, opal, ruby and emerald gemstones, set in that order. Sometimes, the gems would be interspaced with seed pearls representing tears.
Many rings and bracelets were also made in which stones spelled out the names of loved ones a number of items commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, for example, used this formula in charming ways.
Following his return from Egypt in 1799, he commissioned a spectacular sculpted and jewelled piece of artwork in the form of a clear quartz crystal sphinx. Set upon a silver base containing 114 precious stones, Napoleon’s ‘good luck charm’ featured stones arranged in a specific way formulated on an ancient code. Into the design are encoded the words ‘Emperor’ and ‘Empress’ as well as the initials of both
Napoleon and his wife Josephine Bonaparte and the date 15 August 1802, commemorating the simultaneous nationwide celebration of Napoleon’s 33rd birthday and his elevation to Lifetime Consulate status. His second wife, Empress Marie Louise, had three acrostic bracelets made by Chaumet. The stones spell the first names and dates of birth of Napoleon and Marie Louise, and the dates of their meeting and subsequent marriage in 1810.
Click here to see more antique rings currently instore:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-rings-antique/page/2/
