Vintage Gold Puzzle Ring
Oversized, heavy, chunky, statement of a puzzle ring in solid yellow gold. At least, it presents as a puzzle ring... but at some point somebody solved it then fused the six bands together, at the back, so they wouldn't come apart again. Were they fed up of having to re-solve the puzzle every time they took it off? Who knows. It's a bold look and, at 12.4 grams, you don't forget that it's on your finger. English hallmarks warrant the gold and tell us it was made in the year 2001. We bought this ring with another, smaller ring size and in three-tone gold; I'm guessing that together they were his 'n' hers wedding rings.
Legend has it that these rings were conceived centuries ago by a Persian nobleman with serious marital insecurities (maybe he was punching above his weight?). He got together with his court jeweller, and between them they designed a ring just like this one. He presented it to his wife, on the basis that if she were to remove it (presumably to commit adultery), the bands would fall apart and she'd be unable to reassemble it before its absence was noticed.
I’d take that with a pinch of salt though. Because once you’ve figured it out the first time… it doesn’t take long to put it back together. Oh, and it’s super easy to take it off without the whole thing falling apart.
Another theory goes that they're an evolution of the gimmel ring, popular from the 15th to 17th centuries.
Era: Vintage, 2001
Ring size: T or 9.5 US. Resizeable for £55
Head: 17.1mm by 15.8mm
Weight: 12.3 grams
Hallmarks: English, Sheffield, 9ct Gold, 2001, JH & S Maker's Mark
Condition: Great vintage condition with light 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)
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say
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
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?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of each page.
alex@lostowl.jewelry
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
*shopping cart, not the checkout