This would make a magical engagement ring for the right vintage lover.

A Cork jewellery shop is selling the oldest ring in their collection; a glittering half carat emerald, dating from 1840.

Linda’s of Kinsale, which is located on the seaside town’s Main Street, is hoping to find the perfect new owner for the stunning piece, which boasts antique carved 18k gold shoulders and was unearthed on a vintage jewellery buying trip in Madrid, Spain.

While the emerald is the birthstone of the month of May, it also symbolises beauty, fertility, love and prosperity. The emerald has also long represented hope and faithfulness. In fact, according to ancient lore it even has healing powers, which are especially powerful in the light of a full moon.

“Georgian jewellery spans the reigns of King George 1, 11, 111 and 1V, about 1714 to 1830.” says Laura Jane Walsh, who specialises in diamonds, rare stones and unusual collections of Art Deco, Edwardian and Victorian jewellery.

Our oldest ring which dates from 1840. Half carat emerald. Old cut diamonds cut to be seen by candlelight; so different from today’s laser cut diamonds. Antique carved 18k gold shoulders. €3900 pic.twitter.com/VEm8lu5mTH

— Lindas Of Kinsale (@LindasOfKinsale) June 10, 2019

“Diamonds from this era were cut using hand held tools and the diamonds themselves were cut to be seen by candlelight. This old method of cutting is very different to the laser techniques we use today.

“This emerald ring is one of our oldest pieces, dating from the end of the Georgian period. The ring itself may have been for a man as the size is larger than usual. The diamonds are old cuts, and the emerald is pale.

According to Laura, the ring was barely worn by its original owner as “there are very few signs of wear and tear on the shank or the head.”

At €3900, this is a special piece of jewellery indeed, but if you fancy helping it continue its legacy as a family heirloom, head to Kinsale to take a look or call the shop on 021 477 4754.