Antique French Double Heart Pearl Diamond Ring

Heart symbolism soared during the Georgian Era, and continued to be a regular motif under the reign of the trend-setter, Queen Victoria. Her dear Prince Albert gifted her a heart locket, prior to their wedding, with a lock of his hair inside. It is rumored that this was one of her most prized possessions. And anything the Queen loved, the rest of the West did, too. Couples used the double heart as a betrothal icon as it meant that two hearts were bound together as one. The intertwining hearts created a loop, with no beginning or end, represented a love meant for eternity.This antique French double heart ring holds both diamonds and pearls, and was handcrafted in about 1860. The double heart motif is made up of 20 rose cut diamonds which encircle each of the two large, white and creamy pearls. The hearts are topped with a diamond encrusted bow. The top of the ring is done in silver and the back and shank are of 18 karat yellow gold. The pearls measure 5.6x6 mm across and the ring face o