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The Dearly Departed Trio ~ Georgian Mourning Ring - Early 19th Century Gold Color Ring with Pearls, Hair, Gems, and Inscription

$1,750.00
$1,750.00
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

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.”

This mourning ring is rather sweet. Rather than the somber blacks and whites we often see in mourning jewelry, this ring is decorated with delicate seed pearls, and pinky-red stones, likely garnets. It seems that whoever commissioned this ring wanted to remember only the beautiful things about these people. And yes, I say people, because what’s unusual about this ring is that it seems to contain inscriptions relating to three different people, something highly unusual and not often seen in mourning jewelry. In fact, it looks like the inscription may have gone all the way around the inside of the shank at one point, but solder marks indicate evidence of a resize at some point, leading to the loss of some of the inscription unfortunately. This is still a highly unique, beautiful, and curious treasure.

 

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.

U.S. Ring Size 8.5

Low stock: 1 left

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  • Shipping And Returns

SHIPPING:

I ship both domestically within the United States and internationally to most countries. The United States Postal Service offers both domestic and international shipping with options to insure a package and have signed delivery; however, UPS is also available for domestic shipping but will cost more. These options should be automatically calculated at checkout. For international shipping, USPS, DHL, and UPS Express International are the options available through Shopify. Please let me know if you need to make alternate arrangements.  

RETURN POLICY:

I am happy to accept returns within 14 days of receipt of the item if you aren’t happy with your purchase, so long as the item is returned undamaged in its original condition. Buyer will pay for the return shipping. If you wish to initiate a return, please reach out at lailas_jewels@yahoo.com or DM me on Instagram @oldcuriosityjewels. 

Two exceptions to this return policy: The first, wherein it extends past 14 days is if the item does not completely match the description of the item you purchased, or some other mistake was made on the part of Old Curiosity Jewels that led to your dissatisfaction or disappointment. The second exception is on sale items; all sale items are FINAL SALE.