Antique Georgian gold turquoise heart secret poison ring locket memorial (7539)

Antique Georgian ring - locket memorial ring. 14ct gold, turquoise, hair. Made in the United Kingdom
 

Measurements:

Weight is 3.3 grams. A little under a US size 9 (large size). 

Description :

Heart-shaped bezel with a repousse gold heart set in the centre with a heart-shaped turquoise cabochon. The repousse work continues on the shoulders to past the halfway point on the sides. Energetic design with flowers and berries. 
The rest of the shank is very simple. The top of the golden heart can be lifted via a hinge on one side. Within is a glazed locket with locks of hair within. Rings with secret compartments are often referred to as 'poison rings'. 
A barely visible dark line inside the shank indicates that the ring may have been resized.
Wonderfully romantic heart shape and beautiful combination of turquoise and gold. 

Marks and Metal:

Gold tested 14ct. Inside of ring is inscribed Owen Hodges, Born 24 June 1821, Died 12 Jan 1822. Final digits of 1822 not clearly legible. 
     

Condition:

Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Hinge is secure and locket opens easily.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:

During the Georgian era, there was a much higher mortality rate than that of today. In particular, young children often did not make it through the first years of life. Death was very much part of life and it was 'celebrated' or mourned more formally than we do today. Part of the mourning process was to gift mourning jewelry, commemorating the deceased to the close friends and family of the departed. Mourning jewelry is highly sought after. This is a particularly rare ring with the emotions attached to the heart and the locket with the hair. Highly attractive regardless of the original purpose. Romantic and Sentimental - eternally.