Tactile Vintage Portuguese Heart of Viana Ring

Tactile and playful, we adore this vintage Portuguese Heart of Viana ring. The distinctly curved shape of the heart, with the point pulled to one side, is popular throughout Portugal and traditionally rendered in finely detailed filigree wirework. Its history draws upon the long association of the heart with love, generosity, and often a powerful religious feeling - the latter enhancing its popularity with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which took root in the city of Viana do Castelo, the namesake of this particular design. While the heart in this charming piece is mightily minimalist compared to classic versions, the band of the ring is constructed in finely textured, whisper-thin rings that move about in their frame in a way that calls to mind both the intricate detail of traditional Hearts of Viana, while having the meditative feel of prayer beads.

Very good vintage condition with wear in line with age and use.

Details:
• 19k yellow gold, with Portuguese hallmarks on the exterior of each band, as well as on the bails of the heart and the binding loop of the rings
• Size 10 1/8 snug and cannot be resized
• Face of ring (at binding loop) measures 7.9mm wide and 2.4mm thick; rest of ring measures 6.6mm wide and 0.5mm thick
• 3.4g