Europe – Late Georgian / Early Victorian Period Silver (High-Grade Billon) Ring with Beautiful Red (Glass) Stone Late 18th – Early 19th Century Description: An authentic historic European ring, dating to the late 18th or early 19th century, set with a striking deep red glass paste stone mounted in a finely worked silver (likely high-grade billon) setting. The ring features a faceted rectangular red stone, bezel-set and surrounded by an elegant openwork silver gallery. The shoulders are decorated with raised dotted motifs, while the band shows careful hand-finishing typical of late Georgian and early Victorian jewelry. The intense red color—often mistaken for garnet or carnelian—was highly fashionable during this period and was frequently achieved using high-quality glass paste, prized for its brilliance and dramatic appearance. Materials & Construction: Stone: Red glass paste (period-correct imitation gemstone) Metal: Silver or high-silver billon alloy (unmarked, typical for the period) Manufacture: Hand-crafted, with soldered bezel and decorative wirework Red paste stones of this quality were commonly used in fashionable jewelry from the late 1700s onward, particularly for evening wear and statement rings. Measurements: Ring weight: 8.5 g Inner diameter: 21 mm | EU size: approx. 66 ; US size: approx. 11–11.5 Condition: Very good antique condition. The stone remains intact with strong color and translucency. Minor surface wear and light patina consistent with age. The setting is stable and wearable, with no modern repairs detected. Historical Context: During the late Georgian (c. 1760–1830) and early Victorian periods, bold red stones were extremely popular. Advances in glassmaking allowed jewelers to produce convincing gemstone substitutes that rivaled natural stones in brilliance. Such rings were worn as: Fashionable statement jewelry Mourning or sentimental jewelry (red symbolizing passion and remembrance) Evening or ceremonial adornment Although sometimes referred to in modern folklore as “vampire rings,” this term is not historical and reflects later romantic reinterpretations of Georgian jewelry rather than period usage. Nevertheless, the dramatic aesthetic has contributed to their modern collector appeal. Collector’s Note: Antique rings with large red paste stones are increasingly sought after for their bold appearance and historical charm. This example stands out for its excellent proportions, decorative setting, and vivid color, making it an appealing piece for collectors of Georgian or early Victorian jewelry.