1856 Victorian 15k Gold Bloodstone Boar Intaglio Ring

A stunning Victorian era signet ring, fully hallmarked for solid 15k gold, the Birmingham assay office, and the year 1856. Heavy at 6.4 grams in weight, this ring would have originally been intended for a gentleman, to be worn as a symbol of family or clan heritage. The ring face is set with a flat cut bloodstone (a variety of green jasper with red inclusions of hematite) reverse carved with a well-rendered intaglio of a boar, with its tail charmingly curled. Identified as “a boar, passant” on plate 48 crest 14 of Fairbairn’s Crests of the Leading Families in Great Britain and Ireland, this particular crest was used by several families in England and Ireland. A crest formed the upper element of a coat of arms, so each family would have been able to make distinguishing flourishes by adopting a unique amalgamation of motto, supporters, charges, fields, orders, etc. For smaller jewelry pieces such as rings and charms, it was common to show off the family crest alone. The popularity of more traditional crests such as owls, lions, bears, and grayhounds meant that Victorian jewelers could keep a small inventory of pre-made pieces to meet demand, which can be later personalized with inscriptions or mottos.
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