Georgian Gold Locket Ring with Skull

CIRCA 1800 A.D.

3/4 in. (3.95 grams, 20.00 mm overall, 16.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)).

Comprising a slender hoop with shell-shaped shoulders, hinged oval bezel with secret compartment revealing a silvered skull framed by turquoise cabochons, the eyes set with diamonds or other stones; accompanied by a ring box.

Provenance

Acquired from Berganza, Hatton Garden, London, 2016.
Property of an East Sussex collector.

Accompanied by a copy of the Berganza invoice.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11666-197585.

Literature

Cf. Oman, C.C., British Rings 800-1914, London, 1974, plate 90(D), for ring with compartment in which to place a lock of hair, etc.

Footnotes

Likely a ring of the memento mori genre.

CONDITION

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LOT 1863