Pleasing Victorian Cameo Mourning Ring c. 1860

Caroline's Jewelry with a Past is offering a early Victorian mourning ring made of 10kt. rose gold, circa 1860. A style typical of mourning jewelry, this piece features a central onyx cameo. A Roman soldier is atop the onyx in white. The cameo is bezel set in a roll over frame with a closed back. The shank has cartouche on each side with an interesting design. The mounting is stepped to the shank sides. The head of the ring is 14.4mm tall X 10.4mm wide. The ring weighs 2.5 grams. It is a size 6-1/2 and can be carefully resized.

Mourning was an integral part of life for the Georgians and Victorians. Queen Victoria went into mourning, along with her whole court, for over 40 years when her beloved Albert died. Mourning jewelry became a necessity and onyx, jet, bog oak and other black stones filled the need. The jewelry was worn long after mourning had ceased merely to commemorate the loss of the loved one. This kind of jewelry was not meant to be morbid, but to remind the wearer to live life to the fullest.

The gold content of this piece has been tested using standard accepted testing methods, such as acid testing. There is an unidentified maker's mark or hallmark on the inside of the ring. It is believed to be German in origin.