Details
Dating to the late 18th Century, this grand antique Georgian mourning ring features a large navette gallery with a domed glass window preserving a coloured miniature portrait of sophisticated gentleman in a classic white wig and blue jacket. It’s a finely detailed and lifelike depiction and though we can’t be sure who this man was, a memorial inscription on the back may give us a clue. It reads: “J.L. - Died July 12th, 1789 – Aged 76”, indicating the ring was made or engraved after his passing and kept as a cherished family heirloom within the family.
Before the advent of photography, portrait miniature jewellery was a popular way to keep an image of a cherished loved one close to you at all times. Though it may seem a little morbid today, these portraits sometimes depicted the deceased and were worn as loving tributes to show they would never be forgotten.
The ring is fashioned in a rosy 18ct gold and features engraved detailing around the gallery and down the shoulders. It’s a rare and highly collectable Georgian treasure that likely has a rich and fascinating history behind it. Sadly, its story has been lost to time but it’s clear the ring was made as a loving tribute to a father or husband as a statement of undying love and the fact that it’s still here today in such excellent condition is a true testament to that.
We recommend you insure for £2,250. We can provide a written Valuation on completion of the sale.
WEIGHT: 5.1 grams
SIZE: K ½ (UK), 5 ¾ (US) – Our re-sizing service is free of charge. Please request your size at checkout.
MEASURES: Gallery Height 31mm x Width 19mm x Depth 5mm – Band Width 1-2mm
METAL: 18ct Gold (Tested)
AGE: Georgian. (Circa 1789)
CONDITION: Excellent, commensurate with age
ITEM NUMBER: CAT0642
You can find more Georgian Mourning Rings in our Antique Georgian Rings collection.
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