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Love Ring with Padlock Pendant
, Probably England, early 19th century; hoop and modifications: modernGold
Weight 2.5 g; Circumference 16.71 mm; US Size 6.25, UK Size M ½
Love Ring with Padlock Pendant
Gold
Probably England, early 19th century; hoop and modifications: modern
Weight 2.5 g; Circumference 16.71 mm; US Size 6.25, UK Size M ½
$4500.00
Gold ring with a D-section hoop, plain on the interior and rounded on the exterior, widening towards the shoulders. The shoulders support two hands with ornate cuffs clasping a heart engraved with diamond pattern, from which is suspended a miniature padlock pendant. Beneath the heart is attached a cylindrical holder containing a rock crystal or glass capsule with hair. The ring is in good wearable condition. Inside the heart is a cylindrical capsule encasing hair, sealed with a rock crystal or glass cap, visible from the reverse of the bezel.
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Description
RICHLY SYMBOLIC LOVE RING WITH HEART AND PADLOCK
Gold ring with a D-section hoop, plain on the interior and rounded on the exterior, widening towards the shoulders. The shoulders support two hands with ornate cuffs clasping a heart engraved with diamond pattern, from which is suspended a miniature padlock pendant. Beneath the heart is attached a cylindrical holder containing a rock crystal or glass capsule with hair. The ring is in good wearable condition. Inside the heart is a cylindrical capsule encasing hair, sealed with a rock crystal or glass cap, visible from the reverse of the bezel. The ring is in good wearable condition.
Literature:
This ring, rich in symbols of love, is unique in its design and appears to contain personal modifications made by a previous owner. The heart and padlock forming the centerpiece of the bezel may originally have been a pendant—perhaps a family heirloom—later adapted for use as a ring. The heart is a long-standing emblem of love, romance, and attachment, while the padlock reinforces this meaning, suggesting that the recipient alone holds the key to the lover’s heart. Hidden beneath the heart is a miniature cylindrical capsule enclosing a lock of hair, likely belonging to the loved one.
The hands clasping the heart signify loyalty, harking back to the joining of right hands during the marriage ceremony when vows were exchanged. It is likely that the ring was later altered for presentation as a betrothal or wedding gift.
For the history of love jewellery and the symbolism, see: Beatriz Chadour-Sampson, The Power of Love, Jewels, Romance and Eternity, London 2019.