Antique Victorian Mourning Ring 18k Gold Diamonds Enamel Cross Locket (6531)

Antique Victorian Christian mourning ring. 18k yellow gold, black enamel and diamonds. Made Birmingham, England, 1874 by Astor and Son.

Measurements: US size 4.5. Weighs 3.0 grams.

Description : Memorial ring with Christian symbols and sentimental features in memory of a loved one. The simple gold hoop ends with raised, tabular shoulders, each black-enamelled and featuring a 4-leaved oak, possibly symbolic of life or with religious sentiment. The bezel is an oval with gold border enclosing a black enamel ground and central cross, set with rose-cut diamonds. The religious significance of the crucifix is clear. The back of the bezel has a secret compartment or locket, with the hair of the beloved under a glass cover.

Marks: The inside of the hoop is engraved with the name and dates of the departed: Fahmer Cheatle died July 10th 1874 aged 75 years. The hallmarks inside the hoop are as follows: A&S in a rectangle. This is the maker, believed to be Aston & Son, who registered in Birmingham in June of 1857; an illegible mark; 18 for 18k gold; anchor for Birmingham and date letter Z for 1874.

Condition: Enamel wear is difficult to see due to the black color, but emphasized in the pictures. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

Please note that while it is an easy job for a jeweller to resize this ring, this might compromise the engraving or hallmarks unless it is very professionally done.

This is one of the rings from a collection of Mourning Rings bought in Paris.