Antique Vintage 18ct Gold Memento Mori Mourning Three Skull Diamond Ring
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:416307 | Metal Purity: 18k |
| Metal: Yellow Gold | Main Stone: Diamond |
A Triple headed Skull 18ct Gold Memento Mori Mourning Ring.MOURNING RINGSMourning jewellery mirrored the lives and times of the people who wore it. It was a souvenir to remember a loved one, a reminder to the living of the inevitability of death and a status symbol, especially during the Victorian era. Mourning rings were presented by the bereaved family to friends and family members as a memorial to the deceased.The Death's Head motif (skull) was the most popular symbol used upon thes...e rings. Many wealthy people included in their wills instructions on how
the rings would be designed and how many should be made.A diamond set mourning ring adorned with three skulls all with diamond set eyes.On each shoulder of the ring is a gold skull with one larger centre skull. Each eye of the skulls are set with a small (approx.) 0.02 ct round cut diamond.The band does bear a Hallmark but it is worn and too difficult to distinguish.
Tests conclusively as 18 ct yellow gold.
Finger size N (UK). 6 3/4 (USA). 53 3/4 (Europe). All approximate.
The centre skull is largest and measures approximately 9 mm x 6 mm. The two shoulder skulls each measure approximately 8mm long by 5 mmwide.
All skulls are solid gold.
The band measures approximately 2mm width and bears a worn but smooth pattern around it. The ring weighs 4.7 grams approx..The gold has wear with a few scratches and knocks but overall this is in excellent condition. The little beaded claws on the diamonds look to have been repaired over the years. One of the shoulder skulls has a diamond set very deep within the eye socket which appears darker than the other eye. The band has a worn smooth area at the back that could be a possible place to have a jeweller size this ring up or down without disturbing the pattern on the band. This is all consummate with the age of the ring as a pre-worn item but it is still a very wearable ring.Similar rings can be seen displayed in the V&A museum in London and a few examples on their website:http://collections.vam.ac.uk/subject/memento-mori/24186/
This is a macabre yet feminine ring in rich 18ct yellow gold. A wonderful example of English mourning jewellery.
the rings would be designed and how many should be made.A diamond set mourning ring adorned with three skulls all with diamond set eyes.On each shoulder of the ring is a gold skull with one larger centre skull. Each eye of the skulls are set with a small (approx.) 0.02 ct round cut diamond.The band does bear a Hallmark but it is worn and too difficult to distinguish.
Tests conclusively as 18 ct yellow gold.
Finger size N (UK). 6 3/4 (USA). 53 3/4 (Europe). All approximate.
The centre skull is largest and measures approximately 9 mm x 6 mm. The two shoulder skulls each measure approximately 8mm long by 5 mmwide.
All skulls are solid gold.
The band measures approximately 2mm width and bears a worn but smooth pattern around it. The ring weighs 4.7 grams approx..The gold has wear with a few scratches and knocks but overall this is in excellent condition. The little beaded claws on the diamonds look to have been repaired over the years. One of the shoulder skulls has a diamond set very deep within the eye socket which appears darker than the other eye. The band has a worn smooth area at the back that could be a possible place to have a jeweller size this ring up or down without disturbing the pattern on the band. This is all consummate with the age of the ring as a pre-worn item but it is still a very wearable ring.Similar rings can be seen displayed in the V&A museum in London and a few examples on their website:http://collections.vam.ac.uk/subject/memento-mori/24186/
This is a macabre yet feminine ring in rich 18ct yellow gold. A wonderful example of English mourning jewellery.
