Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
CC License:
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Unique ID: DOR-0F8D88
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A complete Post-Medieval gold and rock crystal 'momento mori' finger ring, dating to AD 1680 - 1720. The hoop is circular with a D-shaped cross-section. The bezel is oval set with a domed and facetted rock crystal or glass stone secured by a scalloped rim with foliate decoration. Beneath the stone is black fabric background on to which is sewn twisted gold wire. The gold wire is sewn in a looping border. Inside the border the wire has become detached and jumbled, but may have originally formed personal initials as seen on other rings of this type (e.g. OXON-9A2E11). The underside of the bezel has multiple raised ribs, the indentations between which are inlaid with black enamel with a single white enamel dot. Both shoulders are engraved with a foliate motif of a single leaf and tendrils, fragments of black enamel are retained within the setting. The back of the hoop is undecorated
Length: 23.68 mm
Width: 20.57 mm
Thickness: 6.28 mm
Weight: 2.87 g
Discussion: The probable inscription, textile setting, and use of black enamel indicate that this object is most likely a mourning ring. Mourning rings became popular mementos of deceased loved ones in Britain in the 17th century. They served to commemorate specific individuals and often included compartments underneath the bezel for locks of the individual's hair, sometimes decoratively woven and braided in a practice called hairwork. A number of similar rings have been reported to the PAS as Treasure, OXON-9A2E11 (2019T256), DUR-02929A (2019T1008) and SF-B15FDB (2019T80). All of these examples are dated to the late 17th or early 18th century, c. 1680-1720.
The object contains more than 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old. Consequently, it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of both age and precious metal content.
Subsequent action after recording: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2019T1163
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1680
Date to: Circa AD 1720
Quantity: 1
Length: 23.68 mm
Width: 20.57 mm
Thickness: 6.28 mm
Weight: 2.87 g
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Treasure case number: 2019T1163
Primary material: Gold
Secondary material: Gem
Completeness: Complete
Surface Treatment: Inlaid with enamel
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.