On Thursday 24th of March, 2024, Fellows Auctions is featuring an historically important mourning ring from the early 19th century. Jeremy Bentham (1748 – 1832) was a philosopher and social reformer who founded utilitarianism. Seen here is the inscription of the date of his death inside the band, which uses the Old Style date from… Continue reading Jeremy Bentham Mourning Ring
Tag: Ring
Mourning Fashion & Jewels During Victoria
Victoria’s reign from the 20th of June, 1837 to the 22nd of January, 1901 was the height and decline of the mourning industry. Her success at building stability in the empire was due in no small part to the traditional values she installed through her family appearance. Being the queen of an empire where the sun… Continue reading Mourning Fashion & Jewels During Victoria
Souvenir Ring Reveals Sentimentality
Jewellery given as as souvenir is a perfect way to offer a memory of a loved one to travel with when two people are apart. Giving a gift as a token of memory is a primal element of the human condition In French, ‘Souvenir’ translates to ‘memory’, of which this memorial ring clearly is. Auguste… Continue reading Souvenir Ring Reveals Sentimentality
French Neoclassical Male Mourning Ring
Mourning jewellery design is separated by religious piety and values. Since the Protestant Reformation in 1517, the split between the Catholic and Protestant interpretations of death were distinguished by the values of ‘memento mori’ (‘remember you will die’). Showing the desecration of the body and the constant design reminder in jewellery and art that death… Continue reading French Neoclassical Male Mourning Ring