Antique Georgian Ring date 1762 gold enamel gems hair Memorial Memento Mori(7447)

Antique memorial ring. Gold, gems, hair, enamel. Made in Great Britain, 1760's.  

Measurements: Weight is 1.7 grams. US size 6.75. 

Description : Bezel (top) of ring is round-oval in shape with a thin border of purple gems, set in gold. Original glass over plaited blond hair. Back of bezel is closed in gold. Very satisfying, luscious shape that looks great on the finger.
A simple gold shank is enamelled in black Robert Paul Esp OB 19 June 1762 Ae 76 (these are the hairs of Robert Paul, Esquire, who died on June 19, 1762 at the age of 76).
See The Story below.

Marks and Metal:  No marks as is to be expected. Gold and gems were tested and, like so much Georgian jewelry, produced mixed results. Gold ranged in purity, but is at least 14k. Gems: some tested as amethysts and some as paste.    
During the 18th century, it was quite normal for jewelry to be made from what was available and it is usually less homogenous than jewelry made with computers and modern technology. More than one kind of gem or metal purity is quite normal for the period. 

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age. We had the glass professionally cleaned without impacting the hair/other aspects of the ring, so it really looks 'good as new'.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.  

THE STORY: During the Georgian era, it was customary for wealthy people to leave a set amount of money in their wills to have jewelry made for close friends and relatives with the express purpose of remembering them. This explains the woven hair of the deceased - the wearer would be carrying and wearing a small part of the departed at all times. In addition, the personal information in black enamel - black being the color of mourning, which had very strict protocol at that time. This is a classic example of Memorial jewelry. 

Rings of this style and purpose quite often had a border of garnets. The amethyst-colored border is quite unusual and is amazingly bright when viewed in sunshine.  

This type of ring very rarely reaches us in this condition. It is a must-have in any ring collection, specifically dated, in its original condition. It is beautifully made and looks wonderful on the finger - either alone or worn with other rings.