Finger Ring
Period1750 - 1800
Place MadeNew York or New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumGold, enamel, glass, human hair
Dimensions0.75 in. (1.9 cm)
ClassificationsJewelry
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object number1996.504
DescriptionA memorial or mourning ring, of gold, in a wide scallop-edged pattern. The central oval of black enamel and gold contains florid lettering "In Memory Of" around a tiny colorless glass bezel over a lock of dark brown human hair. The central oval is flanked by small applied triangular panels of gold and enamel. The inside of the ring is engraved "C de D."Curatorial RemarksMourning or memorial rings have their history rooted in the Roman Empire, when mourners wore iron bands to commemorate deceased loved ones. The rings continued in popularity through the Medieval period into the 18th and early 19th centuries. Often, such rings were given as mementos at funerals to attendees. This particular ring may date to between 1700 and 1800, and includes a tiny lock of brown hair in the glass bezel.
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