Georgian Bee Ring
Cool Georgian bee ring dating from the early 19th century, circa 1820. The eyes and body are set with blood-red paste gemstones, the body featuring cute furry texturing to the gold setting, while the head and wings are set with white paste gemstones (in silver). A thick rose gold band splits at the shoulders, crafted in 15ct with a gorgeous silky patina.
Bees have long been a symbol of co-operation and industry, and the ancients saw them as messengers from the gods - associated with the soul and fertility. This ring was made in England, as the Industrial Revolution was in full swing. Manchester was one of the cities at the cutting edge of social, political, and industrial progress, and adopted the bee as its symbol.
The Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers was formed in 1844 in Lancashire, just north of Manchester. An early consumers' co-operative, they penned the Rochdale Principles that form the basis of many co-operative movements around the world to this day. The Principles include: Voluntary and open membership; outright Anti-Discrimination - class, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, caste - the works, basically; Motivations and Rewards in the form of financial incentives, quality of life, altruism; career experience; and a sense of responsibility to your own community; Democratic Member Control; and Autonomy and Independence of the co-operative. Can we have more of all this, please?
Era: Georgian, circa 1820
Ring size: L 1/2 or 6 US. Resizable for £35.
Head size: 1.3cm by 1.1cm
Stones: Paste gemstones
Marks: None, tested as 15ct gold and silver
Condition: Good antique condition. Some wear to the stones consistent with age - see images. Fine antique 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
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 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
A 25% deposit will be 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, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are 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.
More Questions?
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alex@lostowl.jewelry