Another theory is that the sadness of losing a child is harder to bear and remember, so less were made. Although extremely sad, this mourning ring is an important historical reminder that memento mori jewelry was an important part of people's lives 220 years ago.
The white enamel and pink gold reflects the innocence of the child, the black enamel represents death and the braided lock of blonde hair is a heart wrenching reminder of a very young life lost. This exquisite and very fine quality George III mourning ring would have been very expensive to make in 1802 and almost certainly would have been commissioned by a wealthy aristocratic family.
The ring has solid 15K pink gold inside and 15K yellow gold outside with a central circular lock of braided blonde hair covered with its original domed rock crystal and framed with white and black enamel. The graduating white enamel band has a black enamel frame with inlaid gold reading'John Wm Jeremy OB 22 May 1802 Ae 34 Mo 12Ds'. The ring comes in its original fitted red leather box with white silk lined interior. The ring is unmarked and tests for 15K gold. The ring is approximately a size 9.
The domed rock crystal measures approximately 8mm across. The band is about 13mm high at the front graduating down to approximately 5mm at the back. The ring has a total weight of about 7.0 grams.
The ring is is excellent condition with only extremely light wear. Aside from a tiny area of crackling to the circular enamel at the front the enamel is in perfect condition as is the hair and rock crystal. The box has some age related wear, the hinge is strong and it closes securely on a swinging hook clasp.
Thanks for looking and please take a look at my other items! Antique Georgian Pink Gold White Black Enamel Child's Mourning Ring 1802 Boxed. We make great efforts to honestly and accurately describe each item we list. We back this up with many photographs, all with a close-up zoom option for detailed inspection. Items are not returnable if it was not of the age/value you were hoping it to be with no exceptions.If we place a date on an item we guarantee it to be of that period or earlier. We are very easy to work with and welcome any and many questions during our listings, so please let us know if you have one!
Antique, Vintage, Estate Jewelry & More! Most of our pieces are from the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Mid Century periods and we adore the unusual and unique. We also have a passion for antiques and frequently come across interesting estate items while searching for jewelry which can be found in our store too.
We are always adding to our inventory, so please check back frequently. Thank you for visiting our store! Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing. The item "Antique Georgian Pink Gold White Black Enamel Child's Mourning Ring 1802 Boxed" is in sale since Sunday, November 3, 2019.
This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Fine\Georgian, Pre-1837". The seller is "liongoods" and is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This item can be shipped worldwide.