Shield & Star : Early Australian Garnet Set Signet Ring by Macrow

♥Sold♥

A shield for protection, a star to light the way; this antique 15ct gold signet ring by early Australian jewellers Macrow & Sons of Melbourne is a talisman for guidance and security. The face of the ring is in a shield shape, with a lively red garnet set into a star setting. The shoulders are heavily engraved with the classical acanthus motif, symbolic of intelligence and refinement.

Macrow & Sons traded from 1891 – 1920s, and had retail stores throughout Australia. They are though to be Australia’s first retail jewellery chain. A hallmark of their business was the “real stones” stamp placed inside of the band as reassurance that they only used natural gemstones in their jewellery. I’ve been fortunate to find a few Macrow pieces over the years, and in every case the stones have indeed been natural gemstones – often high quality examples.

Manufacture: 
Modelled in 15ct gold, the inside of the band is stamped with the makers mark “Macrow” and 15ct, along with “Real Stones” which can be found on many Macrow pieces – a hallmark of their business.
The shield measures 11.93mm x 11.08mm and sits low on the finger at 2.35mm. The shoulders are 8.6mm wide, gently tapering to the back of the band at 6.45mm.
Weighs 5.6 grams

The natural oval cut garnet measures approximately 7.2mm x 5.4mm.

Size:
Size U or 10.5 on the mandrel, but will fit like a size T 1/2 or 10 due to the width of the band – possibly even a little tighter.
Resizable. We do offer a resizing service starting at $45 Australian dollars. Please get in touch for a quote.

Condition: 
Excellent antique condition. The garnet has a small surface inclusion on the table facet, and the culet is abraded – this was likely done deliberately when the jewel was set as the softening of the point prevents the stone from pressing sharply against the finger. It does not detract from the colour or fire of the garnet in any way. Ready for immediate and everyday wear.