Silhouette Memorial Ring

It was not uncommon for well-to-do Georgian gentlemen to allocate a sum of money in their will for the purchase of mourning attire and rings for close friends and family. Typically these rings would be gold and black enamel bands personalised with the deceased’s name in gold lettering but silhouette rings were also a popular choice, the plain black profile feeling appropriate to the occasion.

This silhouette ring comes from a private collection of long-standing. It depicts a gentleman wearing a frilled chemise, his slim pigtail wig tied with a ribbon bow. The profile is signed Miers under the bust-line and is set in an octagonal gold ring. Under magnification, there are light scratches and dust visible under the crystal glass though it appears fine to the naked eye.

Ring size: K / 5¼