Victorian Gothic! Antique Foiled Tourmaline 18ct Gold Ring

An endless fascination, a magical and mesmerising antique Victorian deep pinky red natural Tourmaline ring which is foiled to deepen the colour to a redder tinge. The gem is set in an unusual and entirely custom hand made mount of 18ct yellow Gold, making us think of the Gothic Revivalist period led by Auguste Pugin in the mid 19th century, a thoughtful and original conception. 

In the style of Episcopal rings worn by the clergy which oft show a red gemstone to symbolise the blood of Christ, this was a time when men and women of art and thought who could afford to wore more decorative rings to express their inclination; the hand faceted Tourmaline is ornamented to the shoulders with exquisite floral goldwork. 

We imagine her worn with crumpled velvets poring over historical illuminated manuscripts... we feel the portrait by Marie Spartali Stillman (1844–1927) expresses this reflective mood and the link with nature perfectly. 

The ring size measures as a 'P' or '7.5' as is, and we'd rather not alter. Inside is the maker's mark for William Pope of Plymouth in Devon which was registered in 1856.