Poignant Victorian "Mother" Mourning Ring

The Victorians were a sentimental bunch, and learned a great deal about preserving the memories of loved ones from the Georgians before them. Before photography was widely available, the Georgians used physical items such as jewelry as tokens of love and friendship while living and as touchstones for the departed. While mourning customs, including dress and jewelry, were already recognized at the time of Prince Albert's death in 1861, Queen Victoria's subsequent lifelong adherence to mourning galvanized its wider adoption.

The demand for mourning pieces was so great that many jewelers created a selection of styles with popular sentiments on them - the phrase "In Memory Of" and black enameling, both seen here, were very popular, along with seed pearls, urn, and weeping willow imagery. There were often places for customization such as engraving or lockets for hair. While this particular piece doesn't bear further customization, it's clear that it was well worn and loved by someone, and provided a great deal of comfort in a time of loss.

Good antique condition with wear in line with age and use, including moderate loss of enamel and some wear to gold.

Details:
• 15k yellow gold, stamped and tested, with British hallmarks for Chester 1898 
• Size 7 1/4 and do not recommend resizing
• Face of ring measures 7.1mm wide, with a rise of 1.6mm; back of band measures 3.4mm wide and 0.8mm thick
• 4.1g
• Face of ring says, "In Memory Of Mother"