World War One Sweetheart Ring

Here’s a recent eBay arrival — a funny little pinky ring that’s a marriage between an 18ct rose gold wedding band and a brass military button known as the King’s Crown General Service button. This ring is an example of what’s known as sweetheart jewellery, or jewellery that, during the war years, represented a branch of service a sweetheart, son or brother was representing. Because materials were restricted during the war years, metals were recycled. In this case we can tell from hallmarks on the band, that the ring was made in 1872 in Birmingham, England. Perhaps a soldier’s mother’s wedding ring?

The King’s Crown General Service button was used on all uniforms of all branches of the service, so it’s impossible to figure out what unit the soldier was with. However, this insignia was most commonly used between 1902 and 1924. I always wonder how such sentimental treasures get separated from their families.