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- Antique Rare Early 18th Century Gold Mourning Ring (1710)
Antique Rare Early 18th Century Gold Mourning Ring (1710)
Antique Rare Early 18th Century Gold Mourning Ring (1710)
314 Years Old.
This is one of the earliest rings we have had, dating to 1710. At the time this ring was made, a Stuart monarch — Queen Anne — was on the throne of Great Britain and Ireland. Imagine all the history this ring has witnessed!
The circlet of high karat gold is unadorned on the outside, but the inscription on the inside memorializes “WL obt 28 Mar. 1710.” The dedication is rendered in the script characteristic of the period.
The ring bears no enamel or other design and from the outside, but it is possible those have worn away over the last three centuries. An engraved death’s head (skull) would be consistent with the memento mori and mourning rings of this time (and under magnification, we see a few marks that could indicate where the skull could have been). We will never know for sure, but we do love the intrigue!
Alongside the interior inscription, we see the goldmith’s mark of “TS”. We found the identical mark on posy and memento mori rings of the same era in the collection of the British Museum. From those references, we know that the goldsmith (full name unknown) was active between 1682 to 1711 — squarely consistent with our ring! The British Museum examples can be viewed here, here, and here.
We favor wearing this rare, rich Stuart era band stacked with other early mourning rings, including those available in our shop. So dramatic and compelling!
Other rings shown not included (they can be found here and here).
Marked with maker’s mark of “TS”.
22k gold.
Dimensions and weight:
● 3.5 mm wide x 1.6 mm deep
● 5.2 grams
● US size slightly over 8.5
Period: Stuart (circa 1710)
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
314 Years Old.
This is one of the earliest rings we have had, dating to 1710. At the time this ring was made, a Stuart monarch — Queen Anne — was on the throne of Great Britain and Ireland. Imagine all the history this ring has witnessed!
The circlet of high karat gold is unadorned on the outside, but the inscription on the inside memorializes “WL obt 28 Mar. 1710.” The dedication is rendered in the script characteristic of the period.
The ring bears no enamel or other design and from the outside, but it is possible those have worn away over the last three centuries. An engraved death’s head (skull) would be consistent with the memento mori and mourning rings of this time (and under magnification, we see a few marks that could indicate where the skull could have been). We will never know for sure, but we do love the intrigue!
Alongside the interior inscription, we see the goldmith’s mark of “TS”. We found the identical mark on posy and memento mori rings of the same era in the collection of the British Museum. From those references, we know that the goldsmith (full name unknown) was active between 1682 to 1711 — squarely consistent with our ring! The British Museum examples can be viewed here, here, and here.
We favor wearing this rare, rich Stuart era band stacked with other early mourning rings, including those available in our shop. So dramatic and compelling!
Other rings shown not included (they can be found here and here).
Marked with maker’s mark of “TS”.
22k gold.
Dimensions and weight:
● 3.5 mm wide x 1.6 mm deep
● 5.2 grams
● US size slightly over 8.5
Period: Stuart (circa 1710)
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
