During World War I, skull and crossbones rings were made in the UK as symbols of remembrance, bravery, and mortality. These rings echoed the long-standing memento mori tradition, reminding wearers of the fragility of life—a particularly relevant sentiment during a war with unprecedented casualties. Think of it as a Memento Mori revival: The Great War reignited interest in memento mori motifs, which had been popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. With death a constant presence, symbols of mortality and fate took on new relevance, much like they had in past times of crisis (e.g., the Plague Era). Chester assay marks for 1916, 9k gold.
MATERIALS: 9k gold (marked)
AGE: Chester assay marks for 1916
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 9.25, can be resized; 13.7mm head, 3.3mm shank