Early Victorian Pique Book Vinaigrette three-stone rings The agate panel has been

The agate panel has been mounted in an 18k gold signet ring that dates from the mid 18th Century

with the words "Time trieth" (time tries) and "Tempora Mutantur" (times are changed) - the latter an abbreviation of the adage: "Times are changed

It's constructed from two rows of hemisphere domes

and remains in great condition having developed a lovely patina over the years

Early Victorian Pique Book Vinaigrette three-stone rings The agate panel has beenDATE: Victorian, c. 1840 An amazing early Victorian vinaigrette designed to look like a book. The outer covers each feature a pique panel, and it opens to reveal a charming pierced giardinetto (flower basket) scene, behind which would have been stored a piece of perfume soaked cloth. When the owner required a whiff of sweet fragrance (because, let's face it, 19th century France wasn't all meadows and rose gardens) they could open it up and restore