FINGER RING

A slightly worn and abraded Post-Medieval gold 'memento mori' type mourning-ring, possibly dating 1650-1710.

Description: The finger ring has is a simple loop with a D-shaped cross-section and a decorative engraved skull in 3/4 profile left. There is only a small surviving trace of the black enamel or niello that would have decorated the skull, mostly around the teeth/jaw. The inscription on the internal surface reads: "Remember your friends' then the Marriage triagram 'N//G S'. There is also a maker's mark on the inner surface - a globular stamp reading "PR". The ring has some minor abrasion.

Measurements:18.70mm in diameter, 3.78 and 2.61g in weight.

Discussion: Memento-Mori rings become popular from the mid 17th century and continue in common use until 20th century. Lettering and inscriptions can, like with posie/posey rings, be used to try and narrow the dating of a ring. Those with block capitals being earlier and the lettering becoming lower case and more cursive and italic during the course of the 17th century and into the 18th. The inscription on this example fits the general theme of remembrance common on similar rings. The Marriage triagram of initials however is indicative of the 17th century or very early 18th century, with the upper letter being the married surname of the couple and the lower letters being forename initials. The marriage triagram here is interesting as it tends to be linked ot posey/posies. An example in the British Museum (1961,1202.305) with a plain exterior, is inscribed 'Live in love & fear the Lord' and followed by a 'marriage trigram' of three initials. The maker's mark 'PR' on this ring is difficult to tie to goldsmith.

Conclusion: In terms of age and precious metal content, the ring appears to meet the criteria for Treasure under the terms of The Treasure Act 1996.