Georgian Turtle Dove Intaglio Signet Ring
The turtle dove, Streptopelia turtur, has been a symbol of faithfulness and devotion since Roman times. The saying "be true in love as a turtle dove" dates back to Renaissance England, and the dove carved here, perched on a young, leafy tree, represents young love or marriage (if it was perched on a dead tree, it would symbolise death and mourning). Turtle doves mate for life; they work together to build their nests and raise their young; and if one of the pair dies, it is said that the partner will stay with its body for days or even weeks. Folklore tells that a turtle dove will die of a broken heart if it loses its partner.
This carnelian intaglio signet ring has been carved with a turtle dove perched on a laurel tree, signifying young and evergreen love - the laurel staying green all year round. The word above - FIDELLE - is old French meaning 'faithful'. The bright red stone rests in a simple double bezel, crafted in 9ct gold throughout, and dating from the late Georgian period, circa 1800.
Era: Georgian, circa 1800
Stone: Carnelian Agate
Ring size: J or 4.75 US. Resize for £55.
Head: 17.6mm by 13.0mm
Marks: None, tested as 9ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition; light wear consistent with age.
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
DHL 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 Customs no longer charges a 10% tariff on antiques shipped from the UK. We will ensure that our parcels are correctly declared using the relevant HTS codes to qualify for the tariff exemption and zero-rated (0%) duties so you won't have any customs fees to pay at the border. You will remain liable for any handling/storage fees charged by DHL as a result of a delay in providing any additional customs information.
[Last updated: September 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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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
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