Ring (finger) (Mourning ring)

Description

In the nineteenth century, jet became popular for use in mourning jewelry. An ring dated 1808 is an early example of the use of jet to commemorate or signify that one was in mourning. This ring presents a small rectangle crystal bordered by twenty faceted jet stones and has an open, split gold shank fashionable in the early part of the nineteenth century. Mounted under the crystal is dark brown plaited hair. This hair, likely belonging to the person the ring memorializes, adds a personal touch to the piece. “Frances Brown/ Ob/t24 Feb. 1808/Aet 72” is engraved on the underside of the bezel.