An absolute dream band, this ring combines our favourite material and motif, with swirling orange blossom and foliate engraving encircling a 22k hoop.

For millennia, this precious metal has been associated with the glow and power of the sun, and high karat gold makes the connection clear. The saturated hue has a beautiful warmth and shine. Gold alloys are softer in higher karats, so this old ring has developed some lovely wear over its lifetime with all the little scratches and dings that can't be replicated in a modern piece.

While the tradition of gifting orange blossoms for a wedding reaches back to Greek and Roman mythology, naturally it was Queen Victoria who reignited the craze when she wore a wreath of orange blossoms in her wedding to Prince Albert. The flower has been said to represent fertility for its association with bearing fruit, purity for its white blossoms, and eternal love for its source on an evergreen tree.

Good antique condition with visible wear in line with previous use, including some loss of detail in engraving. c1880. Originally manufactured in the UK.

Details:
• 22k yellow gold, stamped and tested, with full British hallmarks for Chester 1880, with duty mark and maker's mark EA
• Size 6 and cannot be resized
• Ring measures 3.8mm wide and 0.7mm thick
• 2g