A mid 19th century agate ring and a garnet plaque ring, circa 1930


1st: Set with three oval banded agate cabochons, concealing a hinged compartment engraved with the initials, WD in the style of an ancient poison ring, 2nd: The tapering band collet-set to the front with a trio of octagonal-cut garnets, the largest to the centre, mounted in gold, 2nd with goldsmith's mark M&M, ring sizes approx. O (2)
|While there are many historical and literary references to poison rings dating back to ancient times, it is generally accepted that concealed cavities in rings were not intended exclusively for poison and often contained other substances such as perfume.