A wonderfully scarce antique tortoiseshell hair work ring circa 1820. The middle hair panel can be easily removed to view the carving marks. Tortoiseshell refers to the outer blades covering the upper shell of the Hawksbill turtle and the Loggerhead turtle. Tortoise shell has been valued for use in jewelry since Roman times.
This ring features hair work under glass and fits like a size 5.75 (although I can fit it on my size 6 finger by turning the ring sideways to slide it down - the shank is oval rather than round). The front face measures about 20.5mm tall x 15.5mm wide. In wonderful condition and such a rarity. This ring cannot be sized. You will receive the pictured ring.
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