Vintage 'If I Can' Lapis Lazuli Intaglio Signet Ring in Yellow Gold

Vintage 'If I can' lapis lazuli intaglio signet ring in 18kt yellow gold. A bright oval lapis lazuli tablet, centred with an engraved intaglio of an elk with a scrolling banner etched in French ' SI JE PUIS' translated as 'IF I CAN', in a rubover setting, surrounded by a polished collet and flanked by integrated broad shoulders with deep textured patterns which taper to a polished shank. Hallmarked 18kt gold.

Si Je Puis. the motto of Clan Colquhoun; a highland Scottish clan. Originally from the shores of Loch Lamond with a stronghold at Dunglass Castle by the River Clyde. In 1424 King James I of Scotland ordered Sir John Colquhoun, the Laird of Luss Loch Lomond to take possession of Dumbarton Castle from the Earl of Lennox. To this he responded 'Si Je Puis' (I will if I can). Under the cover of darkness he and his men hid in the woods outside the castle gate. At dawn he let loose a stag chased by hunting dogs. The garrison in the castle saw the stag and opened the gate in order to capture it, thus allowing Sir Colquhoun’s men in to secure the castle without any bloodshed. In gratitude King James I bestowed a coat of arms with a crest showing a stag's head, two deerhounds and the motto ‘Si Je Puis’ on it to John Colquhoun.