Ring (finger) (Mourning ring)

Description

This mourning ring commemorates the death of a baby, Thomas Borland, who died at seven months in 1767. Thomas Borland was the son of John and Anne Borland of Boston, Massachusetts. A central, square-shaped compartment contains a black skull set upon a silk textile. Four round, faceted diamonds are connected by scrolled filigree wire around the main compartment. Together, the overall shape of the ring is like a crucifix. The straight circular gold band is enameled in white. White, rather than black, enamel generally denotes that the deceased was a child, or an unmarried adult. The band, in raised, gold, letters reads: “T:A: BORLAND OB 29 SEP:1767 AE:7M/S.” Winterthur’s collection hold several other pieces of mourning jewelry attributed to the Borland family.