Queen Anne Memento Mori Ring
This piece has found a new home
We source pieces like this from auctions and private collections across Europe. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know when something similar arrives.
Ask about a similar piece
From the Journal
Buying Antique Rings Online: Sizing, Resizing and Wearability
세금 포함.
배송비는 결제 시 계산됩니다.
Drop A Hint
Visit Our London Showroom
Our London showroom is open by appointment only.
Email
info@ravensburyantiques.com
to arrange a visit.
-
This superb early 18th-century Queen Anne period memento mori ring is a striking example of the 'Death's Head' or 'Pumpkin Head' ring type, featuring a stylised, cartoonish skull with bulbous eyes, a design popular before the emergence of more anatomically accurate skulls in later memento mori jewellery.Crafted in high-karat 22K gold, the band measures 4mm wide and bears a maker’s mark 'JD,' attributed to Josiah Daniel, a known London goldsmith of the early 18th century. Weighing 4.3 grams, this ring is a UK size P 1/2 (US size 8).The inner band is engraved with a poignant inscription: "E. Judd ob. 6 June 1706", a Latin abbreviation indicating that E. Judd passed away on that date. It is likely that this ring was created to commemorate an Edward Judd of Little Staughton, Bedfordshire, born on 6 November 1680.Memento mori jewellery, Latin for "remember you must die”, served as a constant reminder of life’s fleeting nature. The concept dates back to ancient philosophy but reached a peak in popularity during the 16th to 18th centuries. For those who wore such pieces, the skull symbolised mortality, humility, and the inevitability of death, a reminder to make the most of each day.This ring is an exceptional example of the period, embodying the stark and direct symbolism of early memento mori jewellery. Similar examples can be seen in the British Museum, highlighting the cultural significance of this enduring motif (see final photo).Condition: Very good antique condition, with the engraving remaining crisp and the gold showing a pleasing, gentle patina consistent with age.
This superb early 18th-century Queen Anne period memento mori ring is a striking example of the 'Death's Head' or 'Pumpkin Head' ring type, featuring a stylised, cartoonish skull with bulbous eyes, a design popular before the emergence of more anatomically accurate skulls in later memento mori jewellery.
Crafted in high-karat 22K gold, the band measures 4mm wide and bears a maker’s mark 'JD,' attributed to Josiah Daniel, a known London goldsmith of the early 18th century. Weighing 4.3 grams, this ring is a UK size P 1/2 (US size 8).
The inner band is engraved with a poignant inscription: "E. Judd ob. 6 June 1706", a Latin abbreviation indicating that E. Judd passed away on that date. It is likely that this ring was created to commemorate an Edward Judd of Little Staughton, Bedfordshire, born on 6 November 1680.
Memento mori jewellery, Latin for "remember you must die”, served as a constant reminder of life’s fleeting nature. The concept dates back to ancient philosophy but reached a peak in popularity during the 16th to 18th centuries. For those who wore such pieces, the skull symbolised mortality, humility, and the inevitability of death, a reminder to make the most of each day.
This ring is an exceptional example of the period, embodying the stark and direct symbolism of early memento mori jewellery. Similar examples can be seen in the British Museum, highlighting the cultural significance of this enduring motif (see final photo).
Condition: Very good antique condition, with the engraving remaining crisp and the gold showing a pleasing, gentle patina consistent with age.
저희의 약속
판매하는 모든 작품의 진품 여부를 언제나 보증합니다
모든 주문에 대해 이유를 묻지 않는 30일 반품 정책을 제공합니다
모든 상품은 박스와 선물 포장을 갖춰, 보험이 적용된 전 세계 무료 배송으로 보내 드립니다
모든 주얼리를 최대한 세심하게 검수하고, 설명하고, 촬영합니다
