Antique Georgian mourning band ring, 22ct gold, Black and white enamel

  

You cannot help but be enchanted by the beauty and emotion of this stunning antique Georgian mourning band ring. The ring is a very rich 22ct yellow gold, enamelled in black with white enamel bands top and bottom, it is a lovely wide band and a very high quality piece. The words picked out in gold tell us this mourning band was created in memory of Phillip Perring Esq. Ob 7th July 1797, Ae 66. Phillip Perring was one of four sons of Phillip Perring from Devonshire.

Though Phillip Perring himself was relatively low key his family particularly his brother, collectively inherited both status and wealth throughout their lives and were involved in both politics and the Church. He married Susanna Legassick, daughter of a wealthy cloth merchant and they had a son John Perring c1765. His son Sir John Perring 1st Baronet and senior partner of Perrings bank, also the Mayor of London for some time until the early 19th century. Sir John Perring continued throughout his life a status of wealth and aristocracy until his death, likely commissioning this piece for his father to commemorate his passing.

It is speculated that there was some loose familial links between the Perrings and the later Lady Diana Princess of Wales though this has not been confirmed at all so is not necessarily fact. This is an 18th century piece with full British hallmarks for 22ct gold, rich in history and over 225 years old.

There is no finesse mark as this was not used in the period and the lion passant was used, 18ct gold was not reintroduced as a standard until 1798. Fully hallmarked for 22ct gold, Bust of King George, makers mark WH William Hall and date letter for 1796.

Good used condition overall, some age commensurate surface wear, some crazing and small chips to the enamel. US ring size 7.5. MM ring size 55.76.

Total weight 5.61 grams. Approx 9.2mm band width.