Mourning ring

A gold finger-ring with an openwork, hollow, hoop comprising heart-shaped cloisons flanking circular cloisons; the latter filled with black enamel (some lost). There are strands of dark coloured hair threaded through the framework. This finger ring was made as a memento mori (mourning jewel), enclosing strands of the deceased's hair. It is of English make, dated to the seventeenth century. The design and construction suggest that it was intended to be worn from a ribbon around the neck or from the wrist or arm, as the cloisons would rub uncomfortably on the hand.