the antique victorian "spes mea deus" bird and buckle signet ring

This gorgeous mid-Victorian-era ring, circa 1850 to 1880, holds a stunning sardonyx gemstone intaglio in a bright reddish-orange colour, complete with a greyish-white top on which the design is carved. Inset carved to the sardonyx tablet is the depiction of a bird, standing on a branch, alert and awake. It is hard to tell the species of the bird, but the carving is detailed, with a forked tail and splayed ends to the feathered wings. The bird is surrounded by a belt or garter with a buckle. The inside of the garter reads "Spes mea Deus", a Latin phrase meaning "God is my hope" or "My hope is God".
In Victorian jewellery, birds generally symbolised love, freedom and hope, though the exact meaning depended on the species. Swallows represented faithfulness, safe return and devotion, while doves symbolised peace, purity and enduring love. Animal jewellery in general was popular in this era, from signet rings with carvings like this one to more figural pieces like Queen Victoria's snake engagement ring. The Victorians were interested in symbolism, often expressing emotion, sentiment, and romantic gestures through motifs rather than words, with pieces of jewellery hiding sentimental messages. The belt-and-buckle design has a hidden meaning, too; buckle jewellery was extremely fashionable in this era: buckle rings and bracelets were worn frequently, though this is a more subtle iteration of the trend. The belt-and-buckle motif is thought to have symbolised loyalty, strength and eternity, with the circular form resembling an everlasting connection or unbreakable bond. This became particularly popular after the publication of Sir Walter Scott's The Antiquary (1816), featuring the phrase "Let virtue be your buckle."
The intaglio is rub-over set and framed by gently sloping shoulders that bear the remnants of engraved detailing and lead to a plain yellow gold band. The band tests and has been assessed as 18ct gold and has a wonderful buttery yellow tone.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: AARAXMJRV

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