Georgian Mourning Ring, Enamel over 22ct Gold, Antique Enamel Memorial Band Ring, Antique Memorial Ring, 1805

It's hard to find and still harder to resist these Georgian rings in black enamel with decorative gold borders. This pretty and nearly pristine example is an English mourning ring from the Georgian period (George III). It is hallmarked for London, 1805. This one is a little unusual as the ring size is very small. It may also be worn on a necklace as a charm.

What separates this mourning ring from others is its beautiful details. The goldwork makes this ring a standout. There are alternating bands of black and gold. The inner bands of gold are beautifully reeded and the outside edges are decorated with a fine beaded pattern.

• The ring is enamel over 20ct gold. The ring was purchased from a family estate in the Netherlands.
• Exterior: Sarah Page Died 24 NOV 1805 Aged 69.
• Ring size is leading edge US 2. It cannot be sized due to the intricacy of the enamel work and gold border.

• England.

• Georgian (George III).
• Hallmarks: London, 1805 (see more below).
• Duty Mark: George III.
• Acid tested for 22 ct. gold.  
• Maker's mark: WH.

• The ring is in excellent antique condition. Very minor surface wear that is hard to find with magnification.

In consultation with the Librarian at the Assay office in London, although the town mark is absent, the ring is believed to be London 1805. The outside inscription of the ring and the date letter "k" which matches for London 1805, support this finding. Also interesting to note: According to Anthony Dove in ‘Some observations on gold and its hallmarks’ (Antique Collecting, September 1986), until 1844, 22 carat gold was marked with the lion passant in the same way that silver was.  

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