Summary

Black enamel, pearl and gold ring, probably a 'memorial' or mourning ring, made by William Drummond & Co., Melbourne, 1899.

A mourning ring is a finger ring worn in memory of someone who has died, usually a loved one. It often bears the date of death of the person and sometimes a motto. They were usually paid for by the person commemorated, having been specified in the will. Stones mounted on the rings were usually black and where it could be afforded, jet was the preferred option. Sometimes cheaper black materials such as enamel or vulcanite were used. White enamel was used particularly on occasions where the deceased was a child and also when the person being mourned was not married. In some cases a lock of hair of the deceased person was incorporated into the ring.

The use of mourning rings dates from at least the 14th century, although it is only in the 17th century that they clearly separated from the more general 'Momento Mori' rings. The style largely settled upon was a single small stone with details of the decedent recorded on the hoop. The overall style of the ring has understandably changed with time. Mourning rings have sometimes been made to mark occasions other than a person's death. For example, in 1793 one was made for William Skirving, after he was sentenced to penal transportation.

Physical Description

Petite black enamel, pearl and gold ring. Each pearl is separately set in a delicate gold square border enclosed by the dominant black enamel. The central pearl is slightly larger.

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