Metal: 18K Gold

Stones: N/A

Size: 8.25

What You Should Know: Ring is adorned with enamel. Enamel is partially worn. Key flips open.

*This Ring Can Be Resized.

What we love about antique jewelry is the common duality of a piece. Its purpose beyond adornment. Memorial pieces were used as a daily reminder of a lost loved one. Ancient intaglio rings were used to stamp important documents. Vinaigrettes were worn around the neck to house perfumes. And Poison rings were created just in case…

This rare Victorian ring has a hidden purpose of its own. The face of the ring flips outward to reveal a hidden key. Keys were an ancient Roman invention, and were often worn on a circle placed on a finger or strung around your neck. After the creation of the Bramah cylinder key in the 18th century, like the one in this ring, artisans would build jewelry boxes that only a coordinating key could open. The especially innovative jewelers would hide this key in a piece of jewelry. The secret key is housed in the face of the ring and accented by a golden shank with gorgeous scrolling enamel work that has survived over a century. The smooth sloping shoulders contrast the mechanical nature of the key, creating a perfectly balanced design. An incredibly special secret piece of history.