Description
Date: c. 1726-66 (based on jeweler’s years active)
Ring size: USA 8.75, UK Q ½, EU 58.5
Materials: solid 22k yellow gold (unmarked; tested with electronic gold tester & nitric-muriatic acid)
Weight: 5.1 grams
Provenance: Albert Ward Collection, acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985.
Workmanship origin: British
Marks: [WF] according to British Museum & p. 210 of English Goldsmiths and Their Marks, jeweler was active 1726-66. Same WF mark in gothic script can be found on British Museum 1961,1202.150, AF.1604, AF.1608, as well as Museum of London 62.4/144.
Posy inscription: [Love is thee bond of peace]
Width of hoop: 3.4 mm
Thickness of hoop: 1.7 – 1.8 mmm
Condition: this ring has been cleaned but not re-polished; age-related surface wear has given the gold a somewhat satin/matte texture. There are some small nicks and notches (again, age-related) to the edges. The hoop is not a perfect circle and somewhat oval. Overall this ring is in excellent antique condition: it retains an aged finish unmarred by re-polishing; the jeweler’s mark and inscription retains their original sharpness and detail.