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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.
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