λ Two enamel and ivory sentimental rings, late 18th century

λ Two enamel and ivory sentimental rings, late 18th century, comprising: one ring of cut-cornered rectangular outline, the glazed compartment containing a putto placing a spray of flowers on an altar in ivory and gold wire, to a blue glass ground, mounted in low carat gold, size J1/2, front measuring 2.0 x 1.1cm, indistinct maker's mark, stamped 6K; and a similar ring of oval outline, depicting a winged putto dropping a spray of flowers onto a pair of burning hearts atop an altar in carved ivory and gold, to a blue glass ground, mounted in gold, size O, front measuring 2.5 x 1.3cm

Cf.: Diana Scarisbrick, Jewellery from Renaissance to Art Deco: 1540-1940, Tokyo, 2003, p.94, and Hugh Tait ed., The Art of the Jeweller: A Catalogue of the Anne Hull Grundy Gift to the British Museum, London, 1984, p.50, no.187-192, for rings intricately made in a similar technique, attributed to French origin, late 18th century. Depictions of twinned flaming hearts on altars are a popular romantic symbol in 18th century sentimental jewels, often referred to as the 'Altar of Love'.