Nineteenth century customers could choose from a vast range of styles of rings - historically inspired, based on archaeological excavations, set with cameos, ivory scenes or miniature portraits. However, the majority of rings were probably much simpler gem-set rings, relying on the massed array of coloured gemstones for their appeal. The inspiration for this ring was taken from the late Renaissance, the pattern of black and white enamel around the sides of the box bezel is historically inspired but the combination of scrolling shoulders and the large amethyst set around with tiny diamonds are more typical of the nineteenth century.