Lost Owl Two Bugs Ring
A tale of two bugs... It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity.
The "Shibayama" jewellery craze, starting a few years back, caused considerable delight and excitement online. Jewellery and small decorative items, usually in silver but occasionally gold, are adorned with little gemstone bugs appearing to scuttle over the surface. Their legs and antennae artfully engraved into the metal and the overall effect is utterly charming; reminiscent of the old Shibayama whist counters produced in Meiji period Japan (1868-1912). True Shibayama is rare, and the inlay is nearly always in ivory or lacquer. It's easy to see why this "Shibayama" jewellery caused such a stir (personally, I love it).
This was the ring that raised alarm bells re: the "Shibayama" jewellery we've seen on Instagram/Etsy/eBay over the past few years. It has Mexican silver marks and dates from the 1960s, maybe '70s. We bought it for the bug inlays and appendage engravings... just like we've bought a few others in the past. But then how could a 1970s silver ring have the same shibayama inlay and signature present on a 1913 silver carriage clock? It didn't add up.
We did some digging. Turns out all of the "Shibayama" jewellery on the marked since 2021/22 has been made by one guy. The pieces are old, often hallmarked so we can date them as far back as the 1880s, but the bug inlays* are new. *And when I say inlay... they aren't. They gemstones are overlaid - stuck on - to the silver (we knocked one off to see).
Helluva story. Now back to this ring: one bug was sacrificed on the alter of truth (/proof), so we engraved another beetle into the space left by the gem. Signed it LOST OWL and here we are.
A not Shibayama signet ring by Lost Owl.
Era: Vintage, circa 1970
Ring size: M or 6.25 US
Head: 11.8mm by 17.5mm
Weight: 13.5 grams
Stones: Mother of Pearl
Marks: Stamped MEXICO 925, 925A1
Condition: Great vintage condition; wear/patina to the silver commensurate with age.
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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)
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
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US Shipments
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[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
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