Engraved inside in a memorial inscription dated 1815 this impressive antique Georgian 18ct rose gold mourning ring has a glass locket compartment on the front with a weave of dark blonde hair nestling inside.
For a large finger size the ring is carpeted in high quality hand-cut black paste (glass) stones. It is engraved inside " Stephen Willcock Esq., Ob 11 Feb 1815 aet 49". In Britain, "Esquire" is an old fashioned title of respect bestowed upon gentlemen of high social rank, typically members of the landed gentry.
A quality piece and heavy this ring is solidly constructed with the stones set in closed back pinched gold settings. It has a split shoulders at each side of the hair panel with the paste stones set all the way around the band. The woven hair is enclosed behind a thick crystal window.
MATERIALS: 18 carat rose gold, electronically and acid tested.
GEMSTONES: 40 rose cut round black pastes (glass), equivalent gemstone size 0.20 carat each
SIZE: 9-1/4 (US), S (UK), O (EU), the ring cannot be resized due to the gemstone set band
MEASUREMENTS: Face measures 15x14mm with the hair panel 9 x 7mm, shoulders 10mm wide, band 4mm.
WEIGHT: 7.4 grams.
DATE: Georgian, dated 1815
CONDITION: In very, very good antique condition with no missing or replaced stones. One of the stones on the face has a very small surface chip, it is barely noticeable and the stone is secure in the setting