Georgian White Enamel Mourning Ring; Circa 1746

An exceptional and highly important Georgian mourning ring, dating to the mid 18th century and rich in both craftsmanship and documented personal history.

The ring is beautifully fashioned in high carat gold and finished with white enamel, a particularly sought after feature in Georgian mourning jewellery. The use of white enamel is deeply significant, traditionally reserved for those who were unmarried at the time of death, making this a poignant and meaningful design choice rather than a purely decorative one.

The band is finely inscribed in gold and enamel with the dedication:
“Mary Lever OB: 23 APR 1746 AE: 54” (“OB” denoting obiit – she died, and “AE” meaning aged.)

Remarkably, this ring is supported by surviving historical records. Mary Lever is documented in parish and probate archives and was buried at St John’s, Hackney, then a village on the outskirts of London. Contemporary records describe her as a spinster, aligning precisely with the use of white enamel on this ring.

Mary was born in 1693 in Ardington, Berkshire, to Richard and Elizabeth Lever, and her will reveals a woman of notable independence and standing. She divided her estate among her aunts and cousins, leaving substantial legacies, a clear indication of both personal wealth and respected social position at a time when unmarried women rarely held such autonomy.

Georgian mourning rings were intimate, deeply personal objects, often commissioned shortly after death and worn close as acts of remembrance. This example is especially rare in that it unites exceptional craftsmanship, symbolic enamelwork, and fully traceable provenance.

A museum worthy piece and a profound survivor of 18th century life, loss and legacy, this ring is not only a jewel but a tangible link to a real woman and her story, preserved across nearly three centuries.

DETAILS

ERA: 1746 - Georgian Era 

HALLMARKS:  unhallmarked 18 carat gold

MEASUREMENTS  i (UK/AU) 4.25 (US)

WEIGHT: 4.7 grams approximately 

CONDITION: This is in good antique condition with only a light patina of wear to the gold and enamel. There is light enamel loss

Please note the antique box is for display only, however your order will arrived in a beautiful box hand wrapped. 

If you have any questions about this or any other piece please do not hesitate to ask




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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.