Victorian Engraved Swallow Motif Cigar Band
Someone chose a swallow. Hand engraved into gold, and then they wore it until the details softened into more a feeling than a picture. The bird motif in this 10k gold band is still legible, still present, but smoothed by time into something almost impressionistic. The gold itself has the warm, substantial luster that only comes with age and wear. Not the bright flash of new metal, but the deep glow of something that has been loved.
A band like this doesn’t need a story invented for it. It already has one. If it was a touch larger, I would’ve kept this for my wedding band.
OBJECT RECORD
| Era |
Victorian, c. 1880s |
|
Materials |
10k gold |
| Condition |
Good; engraving shows natural softening from wear, commensurate with age |
| Ring Size |
5 |
| Dimensions |
6mm shank |
| Hallmarks |
None |
Return policy
All items sold by Tarnish Fine are one-of-a-kind antique and vintage pieces. Purchases can returned or exchanged within 10 days of delivery in unworn condition.
Shipping
Your Tarnish acquisition ships from our studio in Boston, Massachusetts within 1–3 business days. Each piece is packaged with archival materials from TALAS in Brooklyn to be reused for your heirlooms.
Condition & Authenticity
We practice minimal restoration, preserving original materials and evidence of age wherever possible. We clean and lightly polish every piece, with any further work explicitly disclosed. Each acquisition is individually evaluated and extensively researched. We list everything we know, but please write to us if you have any further questions.
Tarnish Fine is an independent jewelry shop and editorial project based in Boston, specializing in antique and vintage jewelry selected for its material character, history, and wear.
Every acquisition is personally sourced, examined, photographed, and documented by founder and curator India Mackinson.
Objects Continued
The Wrackline