Georgian Glass 'Bon Soir' Intaglio Ring

This ring features an early 19th century glass intaglio seal engraved with the phrase ‘bon soir’ (good evening/ good night) with a hand holding a candle snuffer, ready to extinguish the flame of the candle underneath. This lovely intaglio would have been used as a stamp on envelopes, and would have likely started life as part of a Georgian desk seal wheel, a rotating wheel that could hold numerous seals, to offer some variety for the sender, perhaps depending on their mood or the nature of the correspondence. The ornately scrolled gilt brass mount has since been adjoined to an 18K yellow gold band to convert it into a ring. The mount is intricately embossed with sentimental foliate ornament, including flowers, oak leaves and bunches of grapes. The foiled glass intaglio initiated bloodstone with green glass and red splatters throughout.

UK size L 1/2, US size 6, 2.32g, band tested as 18K gold, intaglio measures 14mm x 11mm