Description
HISTORY
The rage for setting babies' first teeth in jewelry began in the 1860s, when Queen Victoria had Princess Beatrice's made into a showstopping pair of earrings as a token of her love. Often confused with mourning pieces, baby teeth (or milk teeth, as they are commonly referred to), were used for quite the opposite - as symbols of celebration. In a time where infant mortality was common, having a child reach what the Victorians considered "adulthood," or the age where their baby teeth fell out, was considered a milestone worth commemorating. Never mass produced for obvious reasons, each piece of milk teeth jewelry was almost always completely unique, a deeply personal item both in material and design.
MATERIALS
18k Yellow Gold, Rubies, Baby Teeth
CONDITION
Excellent - Setting is in beautiful condition with mild surface patina and no other noticeable wear. Milk teeth are in impeccable shape - a rarity considering their age.
HALLMARKS
Horse's head - for 18k gold items made in France between 1838-1919, Makers Mark (Illegible).
AGE
1860
SIZE
Size 5.25. Face of ring measures 16 x 12mm.