Antique Victorian 10 Carat Rose Gold Onyx Monogram ‘D’ Signet Ring – Patented By William Leidig, 1890
Beautifully crafted in warm 10 carat rose gold, the ring showcases a polished rectangular plaque of black Onyx measuring 17.4 x 12.3mm, surmounted by an elegant openwork old English initial ‘D’ in gold. Unlike traditional signet rings where the monogram is engraved directly into the stone, this ingenious Victorian design features the initial mounted onto a finely engineered gold plaque, preserving the polished onyx beneath while creating wonderful depth and dimension.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this ring lies hidden within its construction. The decorative initial is secured by an ingenious pivoting locking screw mechanism concealed beneath the ring. Patented by William Leidig, the miniature screw pivots into position before tightening into the setting, firmly securing both the onyx and monogram in place.
This clever mechanical system allowed the initial to be removed and replaced with another, enabling the ring to be personalised without altering or re-engraving the stone itself—a remarkable innovation for the Victorian era and a wonderful example of 19th-century jewellery engineering.
The shoulders are beautifully decorated with finely engraved scrollwork that complements the elegant proportions of the ring, while the polished rose gold band provides a comfortable fit and timeless appeal. More than 130 years after its patent was granted, this is not only a beautiful antique signet ring but also a rare piece of jewellery history that perfectly showcases the Victorian fascination with innovation, craftsmanship and mechanical design. A beautifully solid ring weighing 5.99 grams, it sits low rise to the finger, measuring 4.25mm, while maintaining an impressive presence on the finger.
The ring remains clearly stamped ‘Princess’ together with ‘PAT-AUG-26-90’, commemorating the original patent date and confirming its connection to this celebrated Victorian invention.
| Stones | x1 Polished black Onyx |
| Measurements | 1.74 cm x 1.23mm Rise- 4.25 mm |
| Weight | 5.99 grams |
| Marks | XRF tested for 10ct Hallmarked with; ‘Princess’ PAT-AUG-26-90 (William Leidig of Newark, New Jersey, on 26 August 1890) |
| Fingers Size | P or 17.99mm diameter or US7 3/4. Can be resized up 2-3 down 2 with any competent jeweller. |
Condition
Very good to excellent vintage condition. No chips or damage to Onyx plaque; applied ‘D’ monogram sits flat and secures perfectly due to the mechanical ‘screw’ back to the verso. The gold is lovely, very solid and substantial, with no thinning or loss to detail. The shank is very strong, thick and only shows subtle irregularity to the shape under very close observation, only noted for accuracy and minor superficial marks to rear of shank, a jeweller could polish this as desired. Stamps inside shank are clear and legible. Wonderful, rare to find ring!
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Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
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Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
All purchases include a photographic keepsake.
If the item includes an independent gemmological valuation certificate (which is always clearly stated in the product description), the physical certificate will be included.
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