Victorian Opal Trilogy Ring

Striking antique trilogy ring set with three lively opal cabochons. The stones display mainly blues and greens in vivid acid hues and they are, somewhat unusually, secured by both prong and collet settings - prongs flanking and a collet centre. It's crafted in 9 carat rose gold and dates from the late Victorian era, circa 1900. Trilogy rings are believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where they were thought to represent the three phases of the sun (rising, high noon, and setting) or the three stages of life (birth, life, and death). The Greeks and Romans also used three-stone rings to symbolise the past, present, and future, but they have been popular as engagement rings since the Victorian era as a way to signify the past present and future of a relationship and the romantic style has endured as a favourite to this day. Era: Victorian, circa 1900 Ring size: R or 8.75 US. Resizeable for £55 Head: 12.0mm by 18.5mm Stone: Opal Marks: None, tested as 9ct gold Condition: Great antique condition; light wear consistent with age.