Victorian Banded Carnelian Signet Ring c.1900
This unusual Victorian banded carnelian signet ring features a hinged face which opens to reveal a concealed compartment hidden below.
These rings are sometimes referred to as poison rings, though this reputation owes more to later romantic storytelling than historical reality. In practice, compartments of this kind were used to carry small things like snuff, perfume or medicine.
Hidden compartments appear in a variety of historic rings. Georgian examples sometimes feature a glazed compartment to the reverse of the bezel, designed to hold a small personal memento such as a lock of hair or miniature portrait, allowing the wearer to carry a physical trace of a loved one with them.
Another example is the vinaigrette ring, developed at a time when urban living conditions were less sanitary and strong odours were common. While vinaigrettes were most commonly worn as pendants or attached to chatelaines, rare examples were also made as rings. These rings open to reveal a tiny compartment containing a sponge soaked in perfume or aromatic vinegar, which could be discreetly raised to the nose when needed.
Today, these compartments can still be opened and personalised, allowing new owners to add their own photograph or memento.
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