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Vintage sterling silver poison ring. Oval shape, set with coral / orangey coloured stone to centre and surrounded by 14 sterling silver beads set in floral design, with rope twist design to outer border. Hinged joint, revealing poison compartment, when opened. Closing mechanism perfect. Size: N½. USA: 7.  EU: 54. Overall head diameter: 18.97mm. (= 1.89 cms) X 14.47mm. (= 1.44 cms). Weight: 5.34 gms. 

The history of poison rings is shrouded in darkness and mystery. These rings were intended to store something. In Western European culture, they surface prominently in the Middle Ages, the quintessential era for tipping one's hand over a goblet to sprinkle deadly powder into wine. The idea of a ring that held poison is thousands of years old, but the Victorian era is called “ the era of the poison ring.” A ring was made to conceal a small compartment with a tight cover that could hold a poisonous powder. It was designed to be used to kill foes or to commit suicide if captured by enemies. 

Fast forward to more recent years and if you watch the film Johnny English Strikes Again, you’ll see the beautiful Olga Kurylenko covertly using her poison ring, to slip some chemical substance into her adversary’s drink!

N.B. When viewing the images, double-click to magnify, as this improves resolution and also gives a better sense of true ring colour.