Antique, Victorian, 9ct Yellow Gold Mizpah Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham, 9ct Gold, 1885

This is an incredibly striking, antique 'Mizpah' ring, with beautiful raised, gothic style lettering, in a buttery 9ct gold.

There is some beautiful chased detail above and below the letters which sit across the centre, spelling, 'Mizpah', and the ornate engraving continues down the shoulders and rather unusually, all the way around the entire shank.

The word Mizpah comes from the Old Testament (Genesis 31:49, "And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent from one another")

Mizpah jewellery was popular during the Victorian era from the mid- to late-1800s and has masses of sentimental value. It tended to serve as sweetheart jewellery, given to a loved one during a period of long separation such as military service or travel.

This ring is currently a UK size Q 1/2, which is a US size 8 1/2, but it could be re-sized. It weighs a healthy 3.82g and its strong shank measures 8mm at its widest point and 3mm at the very back of the band, at its thinnest point.

This very special antique ring remains in extremely good condition. It has been cleaned and is ready to wear.