These exceptionally rare bands, known as "skeletals," are powerful memento mori pieces. The earliest known example dates to 1659, and this one, made in 1724, follows the same tradition—reminding the wearer of life’s fleeting nature. A full skeleton, an hourglass marking the passage of time, and gravedigger’s tools drive the point home: death is inevitable. If the symbolism wasn’t clear enough, MEMENTO MORI is inscribed for emphasis. The black enamel shows significant loss, which we actually appreciate—it means this ring was worn and can still be worn (if you're a size 9, as it cannot be resized). A similar example, in pristine condition, was deaccessioned by the Museum of London and is available through Symbolic & Chase, while another is housed in the British Museum. I can’t overstate how few of these are in circulation. Inside are engraved the death details: Sr Tho Wilty Bar. ob 30 Mar 1724 aet 20
thedetails
- Materials
22k gold, black enamel
- Age
dedicated in 1724
- Condition
Good - wear commensurate with age and use (some loss to the enamel; a few dents and scuffs); FM makers mark
- Size
9, cannot be resized; 4.2mm shank
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Aboutthe
GeorgianEra
1714 — 1837
As imperialist war raged in the Americas, Caribbean, Australia, and beyond, the jewelry industry benefited: colored gems from all over the empire became newly available. A mix of artistic influences from around Europe contributed to the feminine, glittering jewels of the era. Dense, ornate Baroque motifs from Italy showed up in Georgian jewelry, as did French Rococo’s undulating flora and fauna. Neoclassical style made use of Greek and Roman motifs, which were newly popular due to the recently uncovered ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Lapidary methods improved: the dome-shaped rose cut was popular, as was the “old mine cut,” a very early iteration of today’s round brilliant cut.
The boat-shaped marquise diamond cut was developed around this time, supposedly to imitate the smile of Louis XV’s mistress, the marquise de Pompadour. Paste — an imitation gemstone made from leaded glass — was newly developed in the 18th century, and set into jewelry with the same creativity and care as its more precious counterparts. Real and imitation gems were almost always set in closed-backed settings, lined on the underside with thin sheets of foil to enhance the color of the stone and highlight it's sparkle. This makes Georgian rings tough for modern women to wear, especially on an everyday basis: genteel, jewelry-owning ladies of the 18th century were not famous for working with their hands like we are. Nor did they wash their hands as much as we do. Water will virtually ruin a foiled setting, so take special care with your Georgian ring. Very little jewelry from this period is still in circulation, and it's very difficult to repair.
please note:Terms of Sale
Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.