Georgian Mourning Miniature Ring

A beautiful example of Georgian mourning jewelry, this ring is crafted in 14k rosy yellow gold featuring a hand-painted Neo-classical sepia miniature on natural material of a woman leaning against a plinth topped with a funeral urn. The engraving on the back identifies this as a memorial piece for Samuel Stones, with an obituary date of July 28th, 1780 at the age of 64. Sepia paintings such as this were popular as memorial pieces; the paint was made of dissolved or macerated hair. Neo-classical images that included symbolic reference to the relationship with the deceased were common; in this instance the plinth with its foundation of bricks might suggest a long association, the longing attitude of the female figure also referring to family or marriage ties. DETAILS: Approximately 3/4" north to south and 9/16" east to west across the face. The knife-edge band is about 1.40 mm all around. Though originally manufactured in England there is a partial clamshell hallmark stamped on the outsi