Antique Victorian Gold, Enamel & Hair Mourning Ring, c 1845

Antique Victorian Gold, Enamel & Hair Mourning Ring. Inscribed " Thos Kimpton, Ob 23 May, 1845, 70'. Yellow gold. Weight 4.9 grams. Ring size U.

Mourning jewellery, as the name suggests was traditionally worn when someone was in mourning. With its origins in the 16^th century, the use of Mourning jewellery became even more popular after the death of Queen Victoria’s beloved Prince Albert in 1861. Remaining in mourning until her death in 1901, Queen Victoria was responsible for a revival of this type of jewellery. Generally mourning jewels were of sombre design and often black in colour. Commonly used materials were agate or onyx, black enamel, jet, gutta percha or vulcanite, human hair and glass.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Not recently cleaned to preserve patina. 

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