Georgian Pearl Hair Memorial Ring Dated 1801
I held my coffee mug, cupped between my hands, staring at an array of rings in a stall on Portobello Road. My eyes grazed over each one, exploring the silvers and the golds, analyzing the diamonds and the emeralds. I’d seen them all before, there was nothing that tempted me. The seller had a peculiar look in her eyes, so I stared her down, and raised a brow. She gave me a wink and went into the back. A minute later she returned with a display of only one piece. This piece.This Georgian memorial ring was handcrafted in England in 1801. It was made in 18 karat gold and showcases woven hair at the center surrounded by 18 pearls on an oval-shaped ring face. The inside of the band has been inscribed, “Ann Hutton Ob 10 Dec 1801 Age 60”. This ring weighs 4.2 grams and is a size 9. The ring face measures 12.7 north to south, 16 across and sits 3.3 mm off the finger, it narrows to 4.2 mm at the back of the band. There are no marks and it has been acid tested.Who was this Miss Hutton? I’d reall