Antique Victorian Memorial Mourning Ring Gold Enamel Hair 1857 Unisex (7029)

Antique Victorian memorial mourning ring. 18k yellow gold, enamel and hair. Made in Birmingham, United Kingdom, 1857. Unisex - can be worn by a man or a woman.

Measurements: Weight is 4.2 grams. US size 9 1/2. Size indicates that it could be worn by a man or a woman.

Description : Memorial or Mourning ring in traditional dark blue enamel and gold. The slightly raised oval center of the bezel with woven hair, surrounded by a wavy gold colette. The rest of the surface of the bezel and rounded, tapering shank until 3/4 way towards the bottom, consist of alternating candy stripes of dark blue enamel and gold. The gold with very fine bright cutting in a foliate design. The ultimate gold panel is followed by small engraved foliage on either end. Very striking and modern-looking despite being almost 200 years old. A great, wearable ring for either a man or a woman. This ring was probably left in her will by Jane Brown to one of her close relatives or friends. The quality of the work indicates that despite her common name, Jane Brown must have been quite a wealthy woman.

Marks and Metal: Crown and 18 were used to indicate the gold standard (18k). Anchor, to indicate the assay office was in Birmingham. The date letter, J was used in 1858, indicating that the engraving must have been done at a later date. Queen Victoria's head facing left (slightly worn), indicating duty was paid (1838-1890). There is also a rectangle with a wavy, engraved pattern of unknown meaning. The inside of the shank is finely engraved: Jane Brown Ob April 28 1857 Ag 76.

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. It is unusual to find enameling and engraving in such good condition. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.