Except for the finest rings set with large stones or engraved by a master, rings were inexpensive during this period. Bright gold rings were about half the price of coloured gold.
Decorative rings (gem set) emerged during the middle of the 19th century (mid-victorian)
Gold rings studded all round with gems. Gold rings set in clusters. Gold rings set with stones in a star setting. Gold rings with stones in coronet setting. Gold rings with stones in a claw setting.
Diamonds and opals were favoured as "Guard Rings" also known as a Keeper. A "Keeper" and in keeping with tradition would be a chased gold ring without the stones in it.
Any pretty fancy ring could be worn as an engagement ring. Fashion.
Around 1869 a new style, the Gipsy ring appeared on the scene, in which the stone is set deep in the metal, so that the surface of the stone is flush with the surface of the metal.
Opals on account of their connection with "sorrow" (in the mid-late 19th century) were not fashionable as engagement rings.
Carmel, the marks in your Antique gold ring (photo) which are still quite clear are Australian marks. Registered with the manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victoria established in 1889. There is no question of this.
First impression is the individual members stamp which is the identical "knot" of J. Lawrence pty., Ltd. Elizabeth House
Second impression is the purity mark of 15 denoting caratage.
Third impression is the emblem of the quality mark. All impressions are in their proper arrangement. The emblem for work in gold, (Victoria) consisted of a sheaf or garb for 9 carat, a miner's pick and shovel for 12 carat and a fleece (denoted by a lamb) in the last impression.
Whether the Australian wedding band in the photo was your g grandmothers wedding ring? This is a difficult one.
compare ring sizes, are they around the same size? Perhaps Patrick gave Ellen more than one ring. Is the surface of the gold band chased? We have no photo. Is the decorative ring with rubies in rose gold too? What are the markings on the decorative ring? The date of this ring could be conclusive and confirm your mother's memories; that the plain gold band was Ellens. Also Just because Ellen was remembered wearing the gypsy style ring, this does not necessarily follow that it was her Wedding ring.
A plain gold wedding ring would be considered a traditional choice in keeping with British tradition.
Thank you Carmel very much for your tips on framing medals. Please keep us updated! Good Luck!
Best Regards
Yvonne
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wedding ring by: Carmel
Well I have been disappointed again today. I have found out that my cousin has the wedding ring and it has 3 rubies imbedded in it. One of Mary Ellen's granddaughters also remembers the ring with the stones and agreed that was the wedding ring, so now I am wondering who this ring belonged to. I was going on my mother's word but she did get a lot of things wrong. Do you know much about this Jeweller? The exact years he operated etc.
As for the medals I have seen this done very effectively. Get a double frame that has the pictures set back. Place the photo in one side and the medals mounted on the other. Make sure you put a history in the back of the frame so that if someone was to open it up in years to come they know what it is all about. You need to get his Regiment details etc and name what the medals are. These can be found easy enough.
I am still determined to find out where this ring came from.
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Framing the Antique Ring by: Yvonne Hammouda-Eyre
Carmel
delighted to be able to help unravel some of your family history! Yes, I agree, who would have ever thought when Patrick & Ellen were purchasing their wedding ring back in the early pioneering days of Australia just how important this choice would be not only for each other at the time but for their future descendants over a hundred years later!
I just love your idea of adding the antique ring to a picture frame! Please keep us updated on your progress and the process if possible. And could we please see a photo when you are finished:-)
I would love to do something similar to this, with my Dad's (who has now passed away) medals but don't know how.
Best Regards Yvonne
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Explanation - Antique Wedding Ring by: Carmel Reynen
Thank you so much for this information Yvonne. I have decided I am going to frame a wedding photo recently sent to me of Patrick and Mary Ellen's wedding and include the ring in the frame. I will also be able to add all of this information to my family history. It sounds like they went to a very special Jeweller to purchase this ring, Patrick was an orchardist or he described himself as a gentleman Farmer. They were remembered fondly by their children and grandchildren. I cannot Thank you enough for this information I wonder if Patrick and Mary Ellen were aware of what they were doing when they purchased this ring and how their choice helped to identify a special piece.
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Ellen Marys Australian Wedding Ring by: Anonymous
Hi Carmel
yes, you are lucky indeed to have the ring marked, because apart from documented pieces, and those still accompanied by their original receipt, most items of Australian Jewelry are unmarked as to their maker and often show only the quality mark of their silver or gold content. Other markings provided are the exception rather than the rule.
Insufficient attention has been given to these various marks found on some pieces of Australian Jewelry. These marks can include hallmarks like that are found on British gold and silver, pseudo- British hallmarks, initials, a single surname with and without initials, business name and a variety of symbols including registration numbers and trade marks. The Trademark is the practice of marking an item made from ANY material with signature or logo of the maker, jewelry manufacturer or sponsor. So the "knot" in the first impression could be described as the trademark or more befitting in early Australian jewelry terminology - Member's stamp.
The hallmark in Ellen's wedding ring is 15 and this was one of the country (Australia's) sanctioned guarantee of quality. This standard 15 was a relatively new standard mark in the late 19th century, and fits in with the British hallmarking system because in 1854 three lower standards were introduced in England, twelve, nine and fifteen carats.
The animal in the third impression is a sheep and 15 carat gold quality symbol for 15 carat gold (for Victoria) - In NSW the 15 carat, 9 carat and 18 carat quality symbol was a kookaburra.
Carmel please see blog post being that your grandmother's name was Ellen Mary - the blog titled "Art or Craft in the Future" relates to Walter Scott's epic poem and Schubert's Av'e Mari'a sung by the famous Lebanese singer "Fayrouz" - Ave Maria is also known as Ellen's Third Song :-)
Thank you for sharing your g' grandmother's love story and also for uploading a photo of this ring.
Best Regards
Yvonne
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other symbols by: Anonymous
Do you know what the other two markings are on this as well. the 15 and the little animal? Just out of curiosity.
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Thanks by: Carmel
This does make sense, My g grandparents were married in 1897. This would confirm it is Mary Ellen's wedding ring as I believed. so pleased it had those markings on it.
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Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victoria by: Anonymous
Good Evening Carmel! I think it's more likely that your antique wedding ring was manufactured in Victoria, Australia in the late 19th early 20th century.
The "pretzel mark" that you mention, that we can see in first in the series of three impressions is the member jeweller of the Manufacturing Jeweller's Association of Victoria
