A particularly early high carat gold memento mori skull ring, dated 1701. The exterior of the hoop is engraved with an enamel skull device amidst thistles, thistle flowers and acanthus leaves all on a black enamel ground. The thistle motif symbolised earthly sorrow and Christ’s crown of thorns and the acanthus the heavenly garden. To interior the details of the deceased : T Jolley Obt 14 Nov 1701 and a maker’s mark. The ring is size M and 1/2 [US 6 and 1/4] and the hoop is 1/8 of an inch wide. In fine, original and most wearable condition.

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