A beautifully sentimental Victorian mourning ring. Dating to 1836 and rich in symbolism, emotion, and historical character its a true testament to enduring love. 

Created in 18 carat gold, the ring features a highly sought after mourning design centred around a black enamel front panel. Set on the enamel is a delicate forget-me-not flower set with tiny hand cut diamonds, sparkling softly against the dark ground.

Forget-me-nots carried profound meaning within Georgian and Victorian sentimental jewellery, symbolising enduring remembrance. Combined with the mourning enamel and diamonds, the motif creates an especially touching and poetic composition.

The shoulders of the ring are adorned with flowing black enamel floral decoration. One shoulder has an area of enamel loss, commensurate with the age and wear of the piece, yet this does little to diminish the remarkable beauty.

Inside, the ring retains an unusually large original glazed compartment containing woven hair work. A deeply personal relic of remembrance preserved for almost two centuries. Such compartments were intended to keep a physical connection to the deceased close to the wearer at all times.

The original inscription remains preserved within the band 'Frances Terry Obt 19th April 1830 Aet 30'

Through historical research, we have been able to trace Frances Terry within the historical record. She was buried at All Saints Church, Charlton-upon-Medlock, Lancashire, on the 25th of April;  only a few days after her death. Records note that she lived in Longsight, then a far more rural location on the outskirts of Manchester, now absorbed into the city itself. 

There is something especially moving about mourning jewellery of this period. The combination of beauty, symbolism, and grief captured in precious materials. This ring embodies that sentiment perfectly and we are able to see and remember Frances even to this day. Do exactly what it was intended to do. 

DETAILS 

ERA: Circa 1836

MATERIAL/HALLMARK Fully hallmarked 18 carat gold

FINGER SIZE  N 1/2 (UK/AU) 7 (US)

WEIGHT: 4.69 grams in total approximately

Condition: This is overall lovely antique condition with only a fine patina of wear to the gold. There is one shoulder of enamel work missing however this doesn't effect the look for feel of the ring 

Unless stated otherwise all antique boxes are for display only

-Please feel free to take a look at all photographs for condition before committing to buy. We do not offer refunds so if in doubt drop us and email and wed be happy to help!

-We ship worldwide on all orders & parcels are sent fully insured and well packed in our signature pink boxes

-We accept all methods of payment, and orders will be shipped out within 1-3 business days.

-All customs information is declared and we are not responsible for any import duties or delays incurred.

> All of the jewels we work with are antique or vintage and as such they are sold ‘as seen. This means theyre not perfect. They carry the love and journey of generations who love them before. These jewels should be worn with extra and love and care.