A delightful and finely made vintage ring in 14ct gold, dating to circa 1970–80. The ring is modelled as a turtle with an articulated head, feet, and tail that move with fluid naturalism — the movement a testament to the goldsmith's skill in constructing a fully articulated figure at this scale. The shell is rendered in a sophisticated pattern of hexagonal panels alternating between rose, white, and yellow gold, capturing the natural geometry of a turtle's carapace in tri-colour gold. Set on a split band. At 4.5g and 2 × 1.3cm, this is a ring with a confident, sculptural presence on the finger.

Articulated animal rings of this quality and period are among the most collectible of all vintage novelty jewellery — the combination of tri-colour gold, a fully articulated figure, and the hexagonal shell pattern makes this a piece of genuine craft and personality.

The Details

• Circa: 1970–80
• Metal: 14ct rose, white, and yellow gold
• Design: Articulated turtle (moving head, feet, tail)
• Shell: Tri-colour hexagonal pattern
• Ring Size: O (UK)
• Dimensions: 2 × 1.3cm
• Weight: 4.5g
• Hallmarks: 14K