Exceptional Georgian mourning ring dated 1799 in 18ct gold, with hairwork locket and a rare Knatchbull family link to Jane Austen’s circle.
Crafted in rich 18ct rose gold, this is a substantial and finely made example with an elegant, commanding presence. The tall, gently curved rectangular face houses a glazed locket compartment containing an intricately woven panel of hairwork—remarkably well preserved and clearly visible beneath the crystal. A refined border of black and white enamel frames the locket, providing striking contrast against the warmth of the gold.
The interior bears a poignant and fully legible inscription: “Frances Knatchbull, obt. 23 Nov. 1799, age 37”—transforming the piece from ornament into an intimate and personal memorial.
Lady Frances Graham Knatchbull was the second wife of Sir Edward Knatchbull, 8th Baronet of Mersham, Kent. Through this lineage, the family became directly connected to the Austen circle via Fanny Austen Knight, the beloved niece and close correspondent of Jane Austen, who married the 9th Baronet. Lady Frances was also the mother of John Graham Knatchbull, a Royal Navy officer whose dramatic life led to transportation to New South Wales and eventual execution in Sydney in 1844—an extraordinary and well-documented chapter in British colonial history.
Named and fully inscribed Georgian mourning rings of this early date—particularly those with traceable aristocratic and literary connections—are increasingly scarce on the open market. This example stands out for its combination of scale, craftsmanship, condition, and the richness of the story it carries.
A beautifully preserved, solidly dated Georgian mourning ring, holding within it love, loss, and an extraordinary thread of history—ready to be worn, studied, and quietly treasured once more.
DETAILS:
METAL: 18ct gold
MEASUREMENTS: face measures 1.5cm x 1.4cm, locket compartment 9 x 7mm, shoulders 10mm wide, band 4mm wide
WEIGHT: 7.4 grams.
RING SIZE: UK size S, USA size 9.25
DATE: Georgian, dated 1799
HALLMARKS: none, electronically tests 18ct gold
CONDITION: in very, very good antique condition with age appropriate wear and no noted flaws. Note any dark spots are reflections rather than flaws.
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear and enjoy or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide shipping on all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* 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: 18ct gold, Back Pastes, Hair.