Available here is a highly unique and detailed mourning ring dating to the late Georgian era, c. 1821. The front of the ring is decorated with seed pearls and three rose-cut pinkish-purple colored gemstones. these stones are most likely garnets, but may also be amethysts or even rubies, according to a jeweler I had take a look at the stones. As of now, it is impossible to determine exactly what they are without taking them out of their delicate setting, so based on the popularity and common usage of garnets during this time period, this is most likely the stone that was used here. There is also a glass locket panel behind which sits a lock of human hair. To the reverse of the ring, an inscription reads “Mary (last name illegible) Ob (died) 6th Aug. 1821 aet (age) 62.”
What’s particularly interesting about this piece is that the inscription continues onto each side of the band of the ring, seemingly containing death dates for multiple people. It seems to have once gone all the way around it, though some of it is now missing due to what appears to be either a resize or a repair. Regardless, I personally have not seen another mourning ring with such extensive inscriptions that continue onto the band like this, nor have I seen a single ring that commemorates multiple people, so that makes this ring stand out as unique to me.
Condition notes: One seed pearl was missing when purchased at auction and has since been replaced. The glass panel on the front is a bit hazy, making it difficult to see the detail of the hair underneath. Solder marks appear on the back of the ring, suggesting evidence of a resize at one point. About half of the inscription is still legible, though small enough that using a loupe to read it all would be helpful, but the other half of the inscription is illegible/too rubbed over to make out accurately. Metal is likely 9k gold, but it is untested. Ring size 8.5 US.
