Georgian/Victorian Mourning Ring Enamel 15k Gold Seed Pearls Hair Locket Antique

Description

This amazing mourning ring is English in origin and has British Hallmarks - unfortunately, the assay office has been obliterated so the exact year it was made can only be a guess based on the most likely scenarios, dating it between the early and mid 19th century.
This ring was precious to someone and still contains a lock of hair which can be seen through the glass backing. Several seed pearls are missing but the enamel is crisp and sharp, with only the left side where it rubbed against a finger over the past 150 - 200 years missing enamel. There is damage to the shank that is pictured but the ring is very wearable, and sizeable with care by your jeweler.
4 grams - US Size 7
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Mourning jewelry has been around since at least the 16th century, but it is widely associated with the Victorian Era, when mass production made it affordable. The trend reached its high point after the death of Prince Albert in 1861, when Queen Victoria, as well as members of her court, wore black clothing and matching mourning jewelry for decades.
Some of the most interesting examples of mourning jewelry included hairwork, which describes bracelets, necklaces, and rings made from woven human hair. To create a connection to a deceased loved one, their initials were often discreetly woven into the object.