Antique Georgian Pearl Mourning Ring for John Josias Conybeare

A beautiful Georgian mourning ring. Rich in sentiment and understated design. We are excited to say we have been able to find a wealth of information about who this ring was dedicated to. 

Created in 18 carat gold, the ring has a wonderfully neat and crisp design, centred around a continuous band of deep black enamel that contrasts strikingly against the buttery gold. 

To the front sits a cushion shaped panel framed by a black enamel border, at the centre of which rests a pearl. Pearls were frequently used in mourning jewellery of the Georgian period, symbolising tears making the design both subtle and meaningful.

Inside the band, the original memorial inscription remains beautifully preserved 'J Conybeare Ob 11 June 1824 Aet 4'

Through historical research, we have been able to identify the individual commemorated by the ring as John Josias Conybeare, a reverend, scholar, and academic who served as vicar of Batheaston and was later buried there. Conybeare was a remarkably accomplished figure; educated at Christ Church, Oxford, he became Professor of Anglo Saxon and later Professor of Poetry at Oxford University. He is particularly remembered for his pioneering work translating and studying Beowulf and other AngloSaxon poetry, helping to preserve some of the earliest English literature.

Beyond his academic achievements, surviving accounts suggest he was deeply loved within his parish community. Newspaper reports and memorial writings of his funeral describe extraordinary attendance from parishioners, clergy, and local residents, referring to him as 'the father of the parish'.

The circumstances of his death add an especially poignant layer to the piece’s history. In June 1824, whilst staying at the home of astronomer Stephen Groombridge in Blackheath, Conybeare had a severe apoplectic fit and passed away. He was buried on 20 June 1824 in the churchyard of St. John the Baptist in Batheaston, in a location he had personally selected on the north side of the church, with his brother William Daniel Conybeare and brother-in-law Charles Davies serving as chief mourners

There is a remarkable restraint and elegance to Georgian mourning jewellery, and this ring captures it perfectly. Refined and intimate rather than dramatic. Every detail feels considered, from the enamel work to the softly luminous pearl.

DETAILS 

ERA: 1824

MATERIAL/HALLMARK Hallmarked 18 carat 

FINGER SIZE K 1/2 (UK/AU) 5.5 (US)

WEIGHT: 4.5 grams in total approximately

Condition: This is overall lovely antique condition with only a fine patina of wear to the gold. There is enamel loss across the entire ring.

Unless stated otherwise all antique boxes are for display only

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> All of the jewels we work with are antique or vintage and as such they are sold ‘as seen. This means theyre not perfect. They carry the love and journey of generations who love them before. These jewels should be worn with extra and love and care.