Early 20th Century Bloodstone Signet Ring

This antique gold signet ring dates to the early 20th century, circa 1910. The seal is intricately carved in negative and the winged crest and helmet en-face suggests a Prussian, Polish or Bavarian origin. The shield depicts a greyhound in the middle, surrounded by three roses on a horizontally shaded background indicating the heraldic tincture blue (also known as azure). Similarly coats of arms can be found in various coats of arms of noble families across Upper Bavaria.

 

The intaglio is beautifully carved and remains particularly crisp. It is bezel set in a smooth oval yellow gold signet mount. The bloodstone displays bright red splatters uniformly distributed across the dark green background. Bloodstone is the March birthstone, historically known as the ‘stone of courage’, worn by warriors in battle for protection and to stop bleeding wounds.

UK size R 1/2, US size 8.75

The ring weighs 9.55 grams and tests as 14K gold, makers mark present. The stone measures 15mm x 10mm, the face measures 18mm north to south.