White Enamel – Art of Mourning

The Jewels and Fashion of Children in Historical Mourning Lecture

Part 2 of this webinar deals with the rise of the miniature portrait, from cost to the talented painters. Their depictions of wealthy individuals held hidden messages of love between couples in both life and death.

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

‘Nipt in the Bud’

Gold memento mori ring, with oval setting which shows a flower and an inscription painted on a white background, beneath glass, possibly, glass, possibly 18th century. Detail view of flower and inscription on ring. White background. Wellcome collection at the Science Museum.

A life cut short; ‘Nipt in the bud’. What was the symbolism of the rose?

George Washington Memorial Ring

Gold with engraving of George Washington by Charles Balthazer Julien Fevert De Saint Memin Inscribed in Gold Lettering on Enameled Band “Geo. Washington. OB:14. Dec. 1799.AE. 68”

George Washington’s (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) importance to the United States of America cannot be understated, as he was the first President of the country and one of its founding fathers. It is fitting that a ring to commemorate him on his death is designed in a style that is fit for… Continue reading George Washington Memorial Ring