Mourning in the Era of George IV.

Antique Memorial Ring for J. Simmonds in Gold, Enamel & Hair, Dated 1816

€ 980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Unit price €980.00 / piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Antique Memorial Ring for J. Simmonds in Gold, Enamel & Hair, Dated 1816

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

It is a rare stroke of luck for the antique jeweller and art historian to be able to offer a piece of jewellery that reveals a date by means of an engraving on the inside: in this way, there is a clue that allows us to establish the precise time of its creation. In the case of this ring, it is the date of 1 July 1816, and so the ring takes us back to the time of King George IV, who simultaneously ruled the kingdoms of Hanover and Great Britain. The present ring is a classic piece of mourning jewellery of that era. On a tripartite and detailed ring band of gossamer gold, centered with a leaf element, we see a cushion-shaped field. Here, behind glass, braided hair is inset and a black and a white frame of enamel surround this inlay of hair. Centrally on the braiding we see the initials J and S sawn out of gold. The intricately braided locks are a final memento of a person. The engraving on the underside of the ring's head also transmits the person's name: "J. Simmonds / ob[iit]. July 1, 1816 / aet[atis suae] 64" we read here in bold letters. So we know that J. Simmonds was 64 years old when he or she died on 1 July 1816. The ring we have discovered for you in London shows a beautiful quality of its craftsmanship and touches quite directly through its personal message.

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In her publication on Biedermeier jewellery, Munich 1983, on p. 208, Brigitte Marquardt illustrates some pieces of jewellery of the commemorative culture of the 19th century, some of which are made of human hair, and explains their meaning: The processing of hair into pieces of jewellery is based on the meaning of hair as a part of the whole human being, which through its durability is, as it were, immortal. In popular belief, the hair is the seat of the life force.

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Size & Details

Mourning in the Era of George IV.

€ 980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Unit price €980.00 / piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

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Mourning in the Era of George IV.

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