Early Victorian Urn Mourning Ring

This unusual mourning ring was made in London during the early Victorian period, circa 1849. The centrepiece of this unusual mourning is an orange agate stone, engraved with an urn in neoclassical style. The intaglio is surrounded by a gothic border, the design is a combination of crescents and bird motifs. The shoulders are beautifully enamelled with scrollwork inlaid in gold, whilst the black enamel on the band reads the phrase ‘in memory of’ in Old English writing.

Quite remarkably given the age, the enamel on the shoulders and band remains in excellent condition, with only some minor losses to the enamel surrounding the intaglio on the bezel. 

There is a remembrance engraving on the inside of the ring in Latin for Samuel Simonds (?) who died on October 27th 1849. The floral decoration of the ring symbolises life’s beauty and fleeting nature.

The ring weighs 4.5 grams, it is stamped with full London hallmarks and 18K gold. It also carries the makers mark ‘WR’. The oval orange intaglio measures 8mm x 6mm.

Size: UK ring size Q 1/2, US size 8.25

A similar mourning ring in terms of decoration and inscription can be found in the British Museum (museum no. 1978,1002.811). It is the mourning ring for the Duke of Northumberland and was made in 1847. 

The present ring is a truly unusual example which would make a great addition to any collection.