The Ancient 1601 Renaissance Silver Memento Mori Portrait Ring

Dated 1601, this fully wearable and beautiful silver piece of well-kept history features a carinated hoop, expanding to chamfered openwork shoulders with waisted bridge and flanking scrolls, oval bezel set with glass face with a depiction of a person, possibly Jesus or perhaps a depiction of the deceased.

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 with that exact phrase in Latin, 'memento mori', on the ring. To one side of this ring is the engraved initials 'PNS' and the year '1601', to the opposite side it appears to read 'EIVIL' and 'MORI'.

This ring, circa the Early 17th Century, tests as silver and has light marks, commensurate with age.

Please find the Jewellery Assessment Report, (see the end image in the gallery) for more detailed information.

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 collection of a Tyne & Wear gentleman; acquired on the European art market.

Please note that this ring is currently on display at Hemswell Antique Centres and will have a delivery delay of 3–4 working days.