Early Eighteenth-Century Gold Mourning Ring with Monogram and Vanitas Device
England, dated 1725.
Measurements
Ring size: O UK / 7.25 US / 55 EU.
Bezel (including setting): 0.83 × 0.75 cm.
Description
An early eighteenth-century gold mourning ring with a D-shaped band engraved on the exterior: L:ROGERS.OB:19.AUG:1725.AET:22. The inscription records the death of an individual aged twenty-two in August 1725. The band retains simple chased ornament.
The ring is set with an octagonal onyx intaglio engraved with an interlaced monogram LR accompanied by a skull and crossbones. This combination of initials with a vanitas emblem is characteristic of mourning rings of the period. The bezel is flanked by triangular shoulders retaining deformed silver settings, originally intended to hold small stones—likely diamonds—with traces of former enamel decoration.
Condition
The silver settings on either side of the bezel are distorted and without their original stones or enamel. Localised scorching and deformation indicate that the ring was exposed to intense heat at some point, possibly a fire.
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