The Antique Victorian 1844 Floral Sardonyx and Pearl Ring

This early Victorian Mourning ring features a floral Sardonyx motif encompassed with pearls. Hiding away within the ring’s back, there is a tiny woven piece of human hair and the inscribed words for the ring’s original owner which read, ‘Henry Rider Born 9th Oct 1769 Died 8th June 1844’.

Mourning rings were popular in the Victorian era, they were worn to act as a memento or tribute to remember their loved ones by. People often braided the deceased’s hair and incorporated it into the piece of jewellery which would act as a comfort in their time of mourning.

The ring shows signs of wear, some pearls are split with light to moderate nacre wear, and the Sardonyx front is noticeably chipped. There are also some surface scratches and a chip to the glass on the reverse side of the ring’s head.

The ring is fully hallmarked by the Assay Office of London for 18ct gold in 1844.

Ring weight: 4.6g

Size K UK/AU, 5⅛ US/CA, 50 FR/RU, 15¾ DE

Please be aware that due to the ornate band of this ring it is not able to be resized and is excluded from our Free Resize service.