A lively Edwardian-inspired boat ring with a sneaky little secret - while the head of the ring is styled as a classic late Victorian/Edwardian boat ring (and set with five fiery opals), the original band was removed and swapped out for a shank that had its own, considerably earlier hallmarks. Both top and bottom are 18k, though the head is a little more yellow in tone. While it's possible that the original shank was irreparably damaged and an enterprising jeweller did their best to salvage the ring by adding an existing band they had laying around - the head's hallmarks have been conveniently clipped at the precise location where we would have learned its age and origin: methinks a deception is afoot! Luckily a keen eye and a healthy degree of suspicion allow us to see through potential trickery and love this ring for what it is; a high karat beaut with lovely stones, inspired by antique designs and in good pre-owned condition.

Good vintage condition with moderate wear; ring has been fully reshanked with a separate band. As best I can tell, the head is a Victorian revival mount from near the end of the 20th century, and has been reshanked with an antique band which had its own hallmarks intact.

Please keep in mind that opals are not compatible with hand sanitizer/alcohols, and care should be taken to avoid excessive exposure to handwashing.

Details:
• 18k yellow gold, stamped on both head and shank and tested throughout; head has the beginnings of a British hallmark for 18k (assay office and date stamp have been removed); band has a British hallmark for Birmingham 1920, maker's mark F.H.L.
• Size 6.5 and could be resized within one size either direction
• Five natural round opal cabochons
• Face of ring measures 7mm wide, 16mm across, with a rise of 3.4mm; back of band measures 2.5mm wide and 0.9mm thick
• 2.8g