Rare Victorian Shipwreck Ring

This is a ring with a story to tell… 
 
Pulled from the depths of the sea, this piece was discovered among the recovered cargo of The General Abbatucci; a great ship that sank off the north Coast of Corsica on May 7th, 1869. Said to have been carrying gifts destined for the Vatican, as well as her normal trade shipments, the wreck was discovered nearly 127 years later. The cargo is thought to have included several million French Francs, presents for the birthday of Pope Pius IX from Church officials in France, and possible pay for the French army in Italy.
 
The ship's passengers included many powerful dignitaries and wealthy merchantmen, some with their families. Sadly, in the early hours of the morning, a collision with The Edward Hwidt holed her starboard anchor, and she sank a mere two hours after being hit, with the loss of 54 lives. The newspapers were full of survivor’s tales of the futile attempts made by panic-stricken noblemen to buy their safety by casting their valuables at the feet of the crew, but little could be done, and for many their fates were sealed. Several sailors and a much larger number of passengers were lost, though the Captain and 54 passengers were saved. 

The secrets of this ship lay untouched on the seabed until she was located in May 1996 by a remote operated vehicle. This ring was among the recovered treasures. The band is formed in 15ct gold, with handsomely engraved shoulders and twisted scroll border to surround the oval amethyst stone, with a forget-me-not flower engraved into the face of the gemstone. 

These flowers were sometimes used as a symbol of remembrance for those who have passed away, but were most often incorporated into gifts and jewellery between loved ones, as a declaration of true love and devotion. We can only imagine who this ring was worn by; perhaps it was a gift yet to be given, maybe it was lost in the mayhem, and the wearer escaped to safety, or perhaps its owner’s life was also lost to sea, and this piece now remains a token of their memory. 

Regardless, the beauty of the design is undeniable; as is the magic of history, and the mystery it holds.
 

‘When thou art on the mighty deep,
And do in quiet action sleep;
If we no more on earth do meet,
Forget me not.’ 

~ Ann Plato