This extraordinary mourning ring was made in 1860, a time when it was customary to leave money in your will to fund memorial jewelry. Such rings were distributed to close family and friends, who wore them publicly as a sign of grief, devotion, and respect.
Set with an impressive sixteen rose-cut diamonds, this piece would have been an expensive commission— a testament to the wealth of the deceased. The swivel design conceals a lock of hair beneath a glass lens, but you could spin it around to show off the black enamel IN MEMORY OF disc. Your choice - do you want to show how much you loved "MA", who “Died 13 March 1860 Aged 42”, or do you want to show off to the world the sparkly proof that your friend was rich AF? The ring is in near-perfect condition; it was rarely taken out of its original leather case. They'll come together to you.
of ME; engraved "Died 13 March 1860 Aged 42"
MATERIALS: 18k gold (marked), black enamel, 16 2mm rose cut diamonds, glass lens, hair, leatherette box
AGE: dated 1860
CONDITION: Very good - minor surface wear
SIZE: 5.5, cannot be resized; 11.7mm head, 2mm shank