{"product_id":"vintage-spiral-band-in-9-carat-gold-copy","title":"Antique Diamond Mourning Ring; Circa 1839","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"954\" data-start=\"840\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eA historically significant Early Victorian mourning ring, created in 1839 to commemorate the life of Samuel Butler, preserving not only a deeply personal tribute but also a remarkable connection to one of the 19th century's notable figures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"794\" data-start=\"261\"\u003eCreated in rich 18 carat gold, the ring possesses the wonderfully buttery hue and reassuring weight associated with high carat Georgian and early Victorian jewellery. At its centre sits an old cut diamond, surrounded by four lustrous seed pearls. In mourning jewellery, pearls traditionally symbolised tears shed for the departed. The gemstones are framed by an elegant black enamel panel, a classic symbol of grief and remembrance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"868\" data-start=\"796\"\u003eInside the ring the original inscription remains beautifully preserved - '\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eSamuel Butler Ob. Dec. 4th 1839 Æt. 65' - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis records that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eSamuel Butler died on 4th December 1839, aged 65\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1590\" data-start=\"989\"\u003eUnlike many mourning rings, we are able to trace the individual commemorated through the historical record. Samuel Butler (1774–1839) was a distinguished scholar, educator, and Bishop of Lichfield. Before his appointment as bishop, he served for many years as Headmaster of Shrewsbury School, where his pupils included the young Charles Darwin, who later credited Butler with being an influential figure during his education. Butler was also a respected classical scholar, publishing important editions of ancient Greek texts and earning a lasting place in British educational history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1822\" data-start=\"1592\"\u003eDiscovering both documentary records and surviving portraiture of the individual commemorated is exceptionally rare for antique mourning jewellery, making this ring a particularly evocative and historically important survivor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"2148\" data-start=\"1824\"\u003eA remarkable piece of early Victorian sentimental jewellery, uniting 18 carat gold, symbolic pearls, a sparkling old cut diamond, and the documented life of a notable 19th century scholar. It is a wearable piece of history, preserving the memory of a man whose influence reached far beyond his own lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eERA: \u003c\/strong\u003e1839\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMATERIAL\/HALLMARK\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hallmarked 18 carat gold\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEIGHT:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.2 grams in total approximately \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFINGER SIZE:\u003c\/strong\u003e H (UK or AU) 4 (US) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/strong\u003e: This is overall in good antique condition with a patina of wear to the gold as expected and some enamel loss mainly on the shoulders. There is a subtle historical sizing which can be only seen inside the ring due to some hallmark loss. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note the antique ring box is for display only\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-Please feel free to take a look at all photographs for condition before committing to buy. We do not offer refunds so if in doubt drop us and email and wed be happy to help! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-We ship worldwide on all orders \u0026amp; parcels are sent fully insured and well packed in our signature pink boxes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-We accept all methods of payment, and orders will be shipped out within 1-3 business days.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-All customs information is declared and we are not responsible for any import duties or delays incurred.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u0026gt; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heart \u0026 Serpent","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56982217687366,"sku":null,"price":1195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/2966\/7910\/files\/C9147D1E-97A0-4DBD-AD86-74820D0ECF58.jpg?v=1784557006","url":"https:\/\/heartandserpent.com\/products\/vintage-spiral-band-in-9-carat-gold-copy","provider":"Heart \u0026 Serpent","version":"1.0","type":"link"}