This unusual mourning ring is not only unique, but in really lovely condition for its age.
The elongated octagonal fronted ring has a frame of 9 karat yellow gold which encloses a fine sliver of ivory that is a base for a fine hairwork wheatsheaf tied with tiny blue forget-me-not flowers. Above the wheatsheaf are the initials ‘C.D.E.N’ which will be for the deceased person the ring is commemorating, along with ‘d.10.Juny.1789’, their date of death.
The ivory and hair plaque is topped with a domed piece of glass to protect it, which it has done beautifully over the last 200 years. Interestingly we can attribute the origins of this ring to Catalonia (area of Spain and France) as the month is spelt in Catalan for ‘June’.
The ring appears to have been resized at some stage in its life, however this has been done extremely well and is sympathetic to the age of the piece. In very good order for a piece of its age, this ring is a true collector’s piece and will be a beautiful addition to collection of mourning jewellery.
Ring size – 55/O/7
Marked – unmarked however tests as 9 karat gold
Total weight of piece – 6.26 grams
Independent appraisal values the piece at $5000.
