Antique French 18k Gold Cameo Ring Victorian Orléans Hardstone 28 Pearls 5g Sz 7 For Sale

Magnificent Antique Victorian French 18K Gold Hardstone Cameo & Seed Pearl Ring – Fully Hallmarked Provincial Orléans Origin (5.0g)This is a truly museum-quality piece of French jewelry history. This striking late-Victorian ring is beautifully crafted in solid 18-karat gold, featuring an exceptional hand-carved hardstone cameo framed by a delicate halo of natural seed pearls.Weighing a substantial 5.0 grams, this heirloom-quality piece features rare provincial hallmarks that elevate it into a true collector\'s item.THE CRAFTSMANSHIP & DESIGN:

• The Cameo:Unlike common, soft shell cameos, this piece features a masterfully hand-carved black and white layered agate/onyx hardstone plaque. It features a beautifully detailed, full-figure classical female muse in high relief.
• The Setting:The central hardstone plaque is securely encased in an ornate 18k frame, completely surrounded by an elegant, intact border of original natural seed pearls.
• The Band:Features an exquisite \"tombstone\" format framing with distinctive, wide-grooved architectural geometric stepped shoulders, showcasing the finest elements of late-19th-century design.

HISTORIC FRENCH HALLMARKS:
This ring is fully authenticated by two distinct, crisply struck stamps on the outer shank, telling the exact story of its lineage:

1. The French Horse Head Hallmark (Tête de Cheval):The official French assay guarantee for solid 18K gold (750 purity), utilized between 1838 and 1919 for provincial jewelry.
2. The Orléans City \"O\" Stamp:Under magnification, there appears to be a tiny \"O\" is visible on the horse\'s cheek, identifying its assay origin in the historic city of Orléans, France. Provincial marks of this nature are highly sought after and significantly scarcer than Parisian counterparts.
3. The Master Goldsmith Lozenge:A complete, diamond-shaped jeweler\'s mark featuring what looks like the initials\"R [Symbol] C\". The presence of the central symbol flanked by initials confirms a legally registered 19th-century French workshop.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Composition:Solid 18K Gold (confirmed by horse head stamp and makers mark lozenge)
• Total Weight:5.0 Grams
• Ring Size:Size 7 US
• Face Dimensions:Measures approximately 20mm x 11mm
• Pearl Count:Features a complete, breathtaking border of28 original natural seed pearls.
• Condition Note:Excellent antique condition. The 28 seed pearls are beautifully matched with stunning historic luster. Under close inspection, there is a faint, professional sizing line at the very back of the band from a historical resizing—this is completely typical for an heirloom of this era and ensures it is perfectly ready to be worn. The highly coveted French hallmarks on the outer shoulders remain crisp, clear, and entirely untouched.

Don\'t miss the chance to own a fully traceable, heavy 18k gold piece of French Victorian history.