1772 Georgian Mourning Ring

One of the most pristine and interesting 18th century mourning rings we've found. The image— a pyramidal tomb surrounded by cypress trees in the same shape— is unusual. Scenes of weeping classical figures and urns under willows are much more common. The design here is unusually austere, and based more strictly on ancient symbolism.The image is composed of sepia ink, as well as tiny bits of hair that make up the cypress branches. White enamel-work around the shank reads “Sarah Smith OB: 17 Nov 1772 AE 23,” shorthand for her date of death, and her age. White enamel was usually reserved for pieces meant to mourn the death of a child. This was likely Sarah’s mother’s ring.