An exquisite exceedingly rare French Empire miniature Holy Bible ring circa 1810 made by hand from solid 18K gold, decorated with exquisite painted enamel work that the French were famous for and set with hand painted porcelain plaquettes inscribed with verses from the French La Sainte Bible of 1805. This piece was likely a wedding gift. Indeed, many of these verses remain popular readings at weddings today. The cover itself secures perfectly with a latch clasp made from solid 18K gold. The cover depicts Moses and the Ten Commandments. Aside from the hinged opening cover there are two separate pages which can be turned inside the ring. The inside cover, titled La Femme Vertueuse, is from Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 26:1-4. The next five pages, titled Portrait De La Femme Forte are from Proverbs 31:10-31. The verses are wise, practical and quite lovely. Some praise the qualities and great worth of any woman of virtuous strong and noble character… “For she is worth far more than rubies” and “she is strong and respected and not afraid of the future”. Other verses serve to remind their husbands just how lucky they are! ” the husband of a good woman is a fortunate man, he will live twice as long” and ” whether rich or poor, he will always be happy and smiling”. Or remind husbands to acknowledge their wives… “Give her credit for all she does, she deserves the respect of everyone”. A Google search for Sirach 26:1-4 and Proverbs 31:10-31 should provide any number of translations. This is a ring of great beauty and depth. We have never seen another like it. This piece is in very good condition for its 200 or so years of age. On the second page beneath the cover there is some loss to the porcelain text on the front and back at the top which can be seen in the photographs. There is minor wear to the enamel on the side of the ring and on the underside of the ring as you would expect for an piece such as this which has been adored. The miniature gold Bible measures 13/16″ long by 11/16″ wide by 3/16 deep (21mm x 17mm x 5mm). These measurement are for the book and don’t include the band. The whole piece weighs 11.3 grams. Currently the ring is a size 6 US. It could be resized up or down but we would recommend that resizing be done by an experienced jeweler equipped with a laser welder. The heat from a conventional jewelers torch can easily damage antique enamel. The laser confines any heat to just the area of the shank where it is being resized. I just love this ring, for some reason when I look at it I imagine a woman who is getting married being given this piece as a guide to her and to her husband in their married life ahead. This rarest of pieces comes with a full appraisal. The piece appraised by a professional Gemologist and accredited Jewelry Appraiser who is a specialist in the field. The item “18K Gold Georgian Ring Enamel Miniature Holy Bible Proverbs 31 Wedding Antique” is in sale since Thursday, November 23, 2017. This item is in the category “Jewellery & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewellery\Necklaces & Pendants”. The seller is “jewelry_secrets” and is located in Sydney. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Base Metal: Yellow Gold
- Certification: Appraisal
- Authenticity: Original
- Department: Women
- Handmade: Yes
- Metal: Yellow Gold
- Sizable: Yes
- Modified Item: No
- Jewellery Type: Ring
- Occasion: Anniversary
- Vintage: Yes
- Era: Pre-1837
- Material: Enamel
- Colour: Multicoloured
- Year Manufactured: Pre-1920
- Main Stone: Hand enamel
- Jewellery Department: Fine
- Main Colour: Gold
- Brand: Handmade
- Style: Antique
- Country of Origin: France
- Antique: Yes
- Metal Purity: 18k
- Theme: Religious
- Type: Ring
- Original/Reproduction: Original