Steeped in history and tender sentiment this Georgian 9ct gold mourning ring is engraved on the back of the face "God Bless the Owner, RR to LK, 20 Aug. 1800" We think it is a conversion piece and it started life as a gents cravat pin but at some point a gold band has been added so it can be worn as a ring.
As a ring it has quite a large rectangular face that reaches to the middle knuckle and it has a flat profile when viewed from the side. The front is set with a glass oval locket compartment that contains a weave of dark brown hair. A tiny seed pearl is set into the back of the ring where the inscription is, perhaps hinting at tears shed for the deceased. A slim thin gold band completes this unique mourning piece.
Showing a 225 year old age the ring is in fair antique condition showing light surface scratches and particular wear and some tarnish to the gold on the reverse where the inscription is, please see the photos. The hairwork inside the compartment is still tightly braided and and visible through the glass that is damage free. Cosmetically the ring looks much better in real life than on the photos which are taken in extreme close up so the flaws are magnified.
We do consider this ring to be a fairly fragile piece given its advanced antique age and its likely conversion so should you decide to wear this rare piece of history, please consider wearing it cautiously and occasionally. In the same vein sizing is not advised, nor do we recommend that you attempt to remove the glass locket compartment to replace the hair. We have a longer video on our website at www.mercymadge.com
MATERIALS: 9ct gold
RING SIZE: UK N-1/2, US 7
MEASUREMENTS: face 3/4" (2cm) tall, 1/2" (1.4cm) wide, band 1.75mm wide
WEIGHT: 1.7 grams.
HALLMARKS: the later band is stamped '9ct'
DATE: Georgian dated 1800
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. Each piece is hand selected with you in mind and we rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide tracked & insured shipping for all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* Discount - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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Materials: 9ct Gold.