DATE: Victorian, c.1880

A particularly unusual antique signet ring that seems to have taken inspiration from the Frog Prince fairytale. The bloodstone panel has been carved with an intaglio depiction of a frog wearing a crown... The best known version of the Frog Prince (aka Iron Henry) is probably the Brothers Grimm retelling, however the tale goes back at least as far as Roman times... we all know the story: spoiled princess reluctantly befriends frog who, when kissed, turns into a prince (although in the Grimm version the transformation is triggered when she throws the frog against a wall in disgust).

This ring is modelled in 18 karat gold and dates from circa 1880. Set with a shield-shaped bloodstone panel, and embellished with decorative shoulder detailing.

STONES 

Bloodstone panel

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 13.4 x 11.7mm

WEIGHT 

5.7g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 18k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, light wear commensurate with age