If im not mistaken, rings like this were commonly used to hold smelling salts. Women wearing tight corsets often had fits of the "vapours" or lightheadedness, and dizzyness that often resulted in them passing out ( from cutting off the blood supply to their brains/ not being able to breath deeply enough). The smelling salts were really no different than the ammonia sticks we use to "revive" someone that has gone unconscious. They were very widely used, especially in the upper classes.
Some rings like that are also called Snuff rings. Think also how bad smell was back in the days. It got so bad people kept rings like that so they could have something that could mask the dayly stink........price for rings are all over the place.. is there any marking?
Re: Ring with secret compartment
Think it might be where the ladies kept thier favorite fragrance to dab on when needed.
Re: Ring with secret compartment
Good thought! Maybe even a bit of lipstick or other makeup.
Re: Ring with secret compartment
It's called a "Poison Ring".. Women used them back in the old days.. I'm told !!
Re: Ring with secret compartment- age and value
If im not mistaken, rings like this were commonly used to hold smelling salts. Women wearing tight corsets often had fits of the "vapours" or lightheadedness, and dizzyness that often resulted in them passing out ( from cutting off the blood supply to their brains/ not being able to breath deeply enough). The smelling salts were really no different than the ammonia sticks we use to "revive" someone that has gone unconscious. They were very widely used, especially in the upper classes.
Re: Ring with secret compartment- age and value
Yes, have read about that too....all very interersting.
Re: Ring with secret compartment- age and value
Some rings like that are also called Snuff rings. Think also how bad smell was back in the days. It got so bad people kept rings like that so they could have something that could mask the dayly stink........price for rings are all over the place.. is there any marking?