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  • Mourning Ring, 1716

    It is unknown whether this was used in Britain or the Colonies.Mourning rings are difficult to find and this early piece makes this even more rare.If it was used in this country it was likely made elsewhere but imported to the New World.Lapis is a much prized stone because it is often associated with the Virgin Mary, as her robe was often cobalt or lapis blue.

  • Mourning Ring, 1788

    Such mourning pieces are popular with the well to do in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century.Most often the scenes were painted on ivory but some card.These scenes are fairly standard; they include symbols associated with sorrow (willows) or flowers associated with remembrance (forget me nots) or everlasting life (yew).Some artists dissolved some of the hair of the deceased and used it in painting the memorial scene.

  • Mourning Ring, about 1790

    There is no date on this piece, but the classical urn and the straight uncomplicated dress of the mourner make it appear to be late eighteenth century.This is a very simple, almost crudely rendered scene.

  • Mourning Ring, 1807

    This ring might be considered an interesting transitional mourning ring.Earlier mourning rings were generally set with sepia scenes under glass and set into the gold band.Later mourning and memorial rings, from the 1830s on, often included locks of hair and onyx, pearls or enamel; some were plaited entirely of human hair.This ring is plain and simple, not unlike other decorative accessories of this classical revival period, and does not include the earlier sepia scenes but is more akin to rings …