The Antique Georgian Angels Of Death Memento Mori Ring

This ring, circa late 18th to early 19th Century, features two winged skeletons like the angels of death holding a shield. Above the winged skeletons is the Latin "Memento Mori" for "remember you will die". To the right of that, a Christian cross. The shield held by the skeletons seems to depict a scythe, a symbol of how we are all to be cut down in time.

Memento Mori rings were a medieval tradition designed to remind the wearer of the preciousness of life. Often given or made after a death, these rings ask you to reflect upon your life for a moment and 'remember you will die', sometimes like this with that exact phrase in Latin, 'memento mori', on the ring. 

To the left and right are rows of what appear to be in the style of tomb brickwork or perhaps highly stylised skulls. This continues on each side of the ring's shoulders. This ring tests as sterling silver and it shows signs of once being gilt, though much of that gilding is now lost.

Ring Weight: 12.23g

Size R UK/AU, 8⅝ US/CA, 59 FR/RU, 18½ DE

An exceptional piece of interesting memento mori jewellery in fully wearable condition.

Provenance: Acquired from an established BNTA and AIAA registered ancient art dealer. Formerly in the private collection of a Sussex lady since the mid 1960s.