Museum Object Number1972.0061 |
Ring (finger) (Mourning ring)
Jewelry
Gift of Mrs. George L. Batchelder
New England, United States, North America
1749
1. Inscription; Band, exterior; "J. BORLAND/ OB:22 JUNE/ 1749 AE 42"
Mourning imagery; Death
Gold; Enamel on copper; Gem or rhinestones
0.93 (H) , 0.81 (W)
2.38 (H) , 2.06 (W)
Martha Gandy Fales, an early scholar of American jewelry, singled out this amethyst and open scroll work setting as an examplar of the mid-1700s rococo style expressed in mourning rings. The inscription commemorates the death of Jane Lindall Borland in her 42nd year of age. Jane was born in Salem, Massachusetts and in 1726 married Francis Borland (1691-1763), a noted Boston merchant. Left a widower with at least three children, Francis married Phoebe Greaves. Surviving records indicate his second marriage may have taken place in March 1749, prior to Jane's death, but more specific date research is needed.
[Book] Fales, Martha Gandy. 1995 Jewelry in America, 1600-1800.
• Published: p. 26, plate 8