Georgian "Memento Mori" Enameled Gold Mourning Ring

This exquisite Georgian ring is one of our store's oldest and rarest pieces. Handcrafted in London around 1817, it exemplifies the memento mori style of jewelry. The living wore these pieces to honor the dead, not as symbols of sorrow, but as reminders of mortality. This tradition peaked during the second Memento Mori period, around 1800, when there was a significant fascination with death and the afterlife. Unlike Victorian mourning jewelry, which often features personal items like locks of hair and tends to be more somber, memento mori rings like this one embrace a more positive outlook. 

The ring is made of rich 18k gold and is enameled in memory of "James Hodge Logan, who died on April 2, 1817, at the age of 32." It represents a remarkable piece of history. Due to the enamel, this ring is currently a size 10.5 and cannot be resized, so it should be worn carefully. 

Details: Georgian memento mori ring in 18k yellow gold with black and white enamel accents, hallmarked for London circa 1817.