Mourning jewelery is one of the most captivating and diverse subcategories of antique jewelery. This style of mourning ring is iconic of the Georgian era, and this particular example features classic seed pearls—symbols of innocence and purity—commonly used in formal jewellery for young brides and debutantes, as well as in mourning pieces, where their resemblance to tears made them especially appropriate.
The scalloped setting boasts many small pearls held in fine, crimped collets, while the shoulders of the ring display beautiful chasing that extends all the way around the band. Beneath the clear crystal, there would once have been a braided plait of hair. Now empty, it awaits a scrap of fabric, a lock of hair from a beloved pet, or anything meaningful you'd like to keep close.
• Circa 1830
• 14k yellow gold with 10k rose gold shank added later in time
• Numerous seed pearls
• Size 4 ½, resizable
• Estimated gross weight: 2.1 grams
• Good vintage condition, wear in the form of minor scratches, a chip in the glass, visible solder marks on the ring belly, wear appropriate with age
