1898 Diamond Belcher Ring
An attractive Victorian belcher ring set with five old cut diamonds - a mix of old Euros and old miners. The stones are secured by claws formed by cutting away sections of the gold to each side of the head giving it the characteristic "belcher" look and also letting light in behind the stones to enhance their brightness and brilliance. It's crafted in rich 18 carat yellow gold with deeply engraved shoulders - scroll and stylised leaf motifs - and English hallmarks from the year it was made: 1898.
The name, belcher ring, is said to have been inspired by the famous Regency Period prize-fighter Jem Belcher (or, by some accounts, his brother Thomas). Jem was England's champion boxer between 1800 and 1805, and is said to have worn a diamond ring with the stone set in a deep recess carved out of the head, secured by huge prongs that kept the table flush with the rest of the gold - specially designed to keep the stone extra secure while he was throwing punches. Truth or fantasy? We'll probably never know, but there's enough to it to keep the Belcher name alive 200+ years later...
Era: Victorian, 1898
Ring size: M 1/2 or 6.5 US. Resizeable for £55
Head: 5.1mm by 15.0mm
Stones: Old Mine & Old European Cut Diamonds; total carat weight approx. 30pts
Hallmarks: English, Birmingham, 18ct Gold, 1898, GWW Maker's Mark
Condition: Great antique condition with soft gold patina.
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Shipments
US Customs now charges a 10% tariff on all UK shipments as they cross the border. We will pay this customs charge on your behalf. Import duties remain 0% on antiques.
[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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info@lostowl.com
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 3-6 weeks to shipping times Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
*the shopping cart, not checkout