Intaglio Signet Mourning Ring

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Intaglios set in rings are more popular with the male side of society and can range from family crests and monograms to personal or society based symbols.

Though worn on rings throughout history, the 19th century wearing of intaglios rebounded from the popularity of fobs which had changed in men’s fashion from functional stone-based items for sealing wax to metal monograms or sentimental tokens worn on the watch fob chain. The stones moved back to the fingers as they had since ancient civilisations.

As for the leg armour on this ring, it’s no doubt family specific, which can be drawn from the names upon the back. Stylistically, this form of shield and size is typical of the mid 19th century and still continues to be manufactured today. This particular ring with a bloodstone intaglio also doubles for a mourning ring.

Country: England
Year: April 11, 1843
Dedication: God’s blessing be on me & Thee. / Fannie Westbrook, ob April 11, 1843 AE 74

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