Items Similar to Post-Medieval enamel skull ring, circa 17th century.
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
Post-Medieval enamel skull ring, circa 17th century.
$24,747.14
£18,000
€21,174.84
CA$33,880.07
A$37,956.61
CHF 19,756.38
MX$462,238.90
NOK 251,669.97
SEK 237,002.09
DKK 158,067.46
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Post-Medieval enamel skull ring. A gold ring composed of a flat circular plaque featuring a black and white enamel skull, leading to rounded shoulders which flow directly through to a solid D-shape shank with a central gold ridge, grooved edges and traces of textured black enamel throughout, engraved to the interior in italics 'Death seperateth friends' highlighted in black enamel. Tested yellow gold, maker's mark 'MD', circa 17th century.
This ring has been assessed as dating to the latter half of the 17th century. After thorough research, the monogrammed maker's mark 'MD' could not be attributed to a particular goldsmith, however the initials are stamped within a heart, a popular shape for maker's marks from the 16th century to early 18th century.
The italic script, as seen on this ring, largely replaced Roman capitals in the second quarter of the 17th century, and the style of the ring with the raised gold central ridge and borders infilled with enamel can be seen on several pieces known to date from the mid-late 17th century.
This ring is a very fine example of Memento Mori jewellery, which was popular from the 16th century and often featured motifs which were used to remind the wearer of the brevity of life. Jewels were commissioned in memory of a deceased family member or friend which were known by the Latin phrase Memento Mori, translating as ‘remember that you must die’. These beautifully crafted pieces reflect a different time when death was very much a way of life. Memorial jewellery acted as a visual reminder of loved ones passed and prompted the wearer to live for the moment as life could be short. These pieces typically featured skulls, urns and other symbols of death along with dark gemstones and enamelling.
- Ring Size:4.75 US, Not Resizable
- Style:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1650
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 288871stDibs: LU18625641912
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
1stDibs seller since 2011
65 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 17 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAntique Enamel Skull Ring for Sir Francis Gosling, circa 1768
Located in London, GB
Enamel skull skull ring for Sir Francis Gosling. A D-shape band, featuring a richly engraved skull design and repeating foliate motif against a black enamel background, inscribed to ...
Category
Antique 1760s Band Rings
Materials
Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Post Medieval memento mori ring, 'in god alone we too are one' circa 18th c
Located in London, GB
Post Medieval momento mori ring,'in god alone we too are one'. A rare ring, the exterior of the D-shape band intricately engraved with floral motifs, and a skull with eyes, nose and ...
Category
Antique 17th Century Medieval Band Rings
Materials
Yellow Gold
Tudor Enameled "BEHOLD THE ENDE" English Skull Ring
Located in London, GB
Tudor enameled 'BEHOLD THE ENDE' skull ring. Formed to centre with a irregular quartefoil bezel, featuring a horizontal white and black enameled skull encased in a circular black ena...
Category
Antique 17th Century British Tudor Engagement Rings
Materials
Yellow Gold
Georgian Gold and Enamel Memorial Skeleton Ring, circa 1731
Located in London, GB
Georgian gold and enamel memorial skeleton ring. A solid D-shape gold band featuring an elongated skeleton with stylised skull and cross bones m...
Category
Antique 1730s Unknown Band Rings
Materials
Yellow Gold
Late Medieval Iconographic Ring Depicting the Holy Trinity, circa 1470-1480
Located in London, GB
Late Medieval iconographic ring depicting the Holy Trinity. A yellow gold ring featuring a central rectangular plaque, finely engraved with the figur...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Band Rings
Materials
Yellow Gold
The William Hewer Mourning Ring, circa 1715-1716
Located in London, GB
The William Hewer mourning ring. A smoothly conforming D-shape mourning ring, set with a piece of oval faceted glass to centre in a closed back bezel setting, leading to decoratively...
Category
Antique 1710s English Georgian Solitaire Rings
Materials
Yellow Gold
You May Also Like
Crest Signet Skull Ring Memento Mori Diamond J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Signet Skull Ring Memento Mori Style Gold 6 Gem Black Diamond J Dauphin
Hand made in Los Angeles
Made to order in Us size 4-12
Inspired by Mement...
Category
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
Materials
Black Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Memento Mori Carved Skull Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A Unique Memento Mori Ring comprised of an Antique carved Bone Skull that is incredibly detailed, the Skull measures 3/4 inch in height and 5/8 inch in diameter, the Skull is set on ...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings
Materials
Sterling Silver
Black Diamond Crest Ring Gold Skull Memento Mori Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Ring Signet Ring Black Diamond Gold Skull Memento Mori Style J Dauphin
J DAUPHIN signature piece " Secret Doors"
This ring is made in White or Yellow 14k Gold.
It has White or...
Category
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
Materials
Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold Skull and Crossbone Men's Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Of skull and crossbones design, the gold mouth between bifurcated shoulders.
Size : 8 1/2
Weight: 3.65
Category
Antique 1890s Italian Victorian Fashion Rings
Materials
Gold
Antique 1830's 18 Karat Gold Ring Enamel Paste
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This ring has been handcrafted in the 1830's. It is set with green and red paste stones and decorated with black enamwl.
Category
Antique 1830s George III More Rings
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
A Rare Rococo Mourning Ring 1750-1760ca
Located in Firenze, IT
Rare sentimental oval-shaped, rotating, in pink 18kt gold decorated on one side with a painted miniature depicting a portrait of a man in profile under quartz crystal, on the other a...
Category
Antique 1750s French Rococo Fashion Rings
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold
More Ways To Browse
Antique Monogram Jewelry
Memorial Ring
17th Century Jewellery
Medieval Gold Jewlery
Latin Ring
Antique Gold Black Enamel Ring
Skull Ring
Antique 16Th Century Jewelry
Gold Medieval Ring
Antique Medieval Jewelry
Skull White Gold
Enamel Heart Ring
17th Century Plaque
Memento Mori Jewelry
Antique Memorial Jewelry
Antique Monogram Ring
Antique Medieval Ring
Dior Heart Ring