Early Victorian 18ct Gold Signet Ring With Bloodstone Intaglio Of A Horse

For lovers of unusual signet rings I can strongly recommend this particular example. It is 18ct75% pure gold (or 750 parts pure gold and 250 parts other metals) gold and was made in the 1830s and has been set with a bloodstoneA dark green to dark bluish-green variety of Chalcedony that is splattered with red or brown spots that resemble blood. The extent of the marking varies depending on the stone. Spots are favoured over larger stripes and markings. that has been engraved with an intaglioAn engraved stone, the opposite of a cameo, with a recessed design cut below the surface of the stone. Intaglio designs are common for signet rings and fob seals. of a saddled horse with a monogram above.  Inside is engraved “John Forbes. Esq obt (died)20th dec 1840” and a glazed compartment that would have held a lock of hair.