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- (SOLD) Antique Rare Georgian Sepia "Tree Cut Down" Mourning Ring, Dated 1789
(SOLD) Antique Rare Georgian Sepia "Tree Cut Down" Mourning Ring, Dated 1789
(SOLD) Antique Rare Georgian Sepia "Tree Cut Down" Mourning Ring, Dated 1789
Poignant, Tender.
This late 18th century, neoclassical navette ring displays a mourning motif that is seldom seen— a young tree, cut down. The ring memorializes Ann Balfoure, who died July 23, 1789. We can assume Ann was young, cut down in life too soon. We don’t know anything else about Ann, but we do know she died during an eventful year (think French Revolution, the inauguration of George Washington, etc).
The sepia miniature is sensitively and delicately rendered, and the “foliage” of the tree is macerated hair.
For collectors of mourning jewelry, this one is a prized find. We have seen similar themes (a rose “nip’t in the bud”), but we don’t recall seeing another tree, cut down.
Unmarked.
18k gold (back of plaque) 10k gold (elsewhere).
Dimensions and weight:
● 31.7 mm long on the plaque
● 17.2 mm wide on the plaque
● 5.6 grams
● Ring size 6.75 US
Period: Georgian (1789)
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. We see signs of an old resizing at the back of the ring shank. Please take care not to get this ring wet, to prevent moisture damage to the miniature.
*US shipping only on this piece.
Poignant, Tender.
This late 18th century, neoclassical navette ring displays a mourning motif that is seldom seen— a young tree, cut down. The ring memorializes Ann Balfoure, who died July 23, 1789. We can assume Ann was young, cut down in life too soon. We don’t know anything else about Ann, but we do know she died during an eventful year (think French Revolution, the inauguration of George Washington, etc).
The sepia miniature is sensitively and delicately rendered, and the “foliage” of the tree is macerated hair.
For collectors of mourning jewelry, this one is a prized find. We have seen similar themes (a rose “nip’t in the bud”), but we don’t recall seeing another tree, cut down.
Unmarked.
18k gold (back of plaque) 10k gold (elsewhere).
Dimensions and weight:
● 31.7 mm long on the plaque
● 17.2 mm wide on the plaque
● 5.6 grams
● Ring size 6.75 US
Period: Georgian (1789)
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. We see signs of an old resizing at the back of the ring shank. Please take care not to get this ring wet, to prevent moisture damage to the miniature.
*US shipping only on this piece.
